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freshen up

A2 neutral separable both
In simple words

To wash your face, fix your hair, or tidy yourself up quickly so you look and feel better.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To quickly wash your face, fix your hair, or neaten your appearance before an event or after a journey.

"We arrived at the hotel an hour before dinner so we could freshen up."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral

To make a drink stronger or fuller by adding more of it; to top up a drink.

"Can I freshen up your coffee, or would you prefer tea?"

Grammar: separable
3 B1 neutral

To make a room, design, or space feel cleaner, brighter, or more pleasant.

"A coat of white paint really freshened up the living room."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Widely used in everyday social contexts. Often used reflexively ('freshen myself up'). Also used for rooms, drinks, and presentations. A polite, gentle expression. Common in both American and British English.

Commonly used with

bathroom drink makeup room appearance guests

Forms

Base
freshen up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
freshens up
he/she/it
Past simple
freshened up
yesterday
Past participle
freshened up
have + pp
-ing form
freshening up
continuous

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