1 C1 idiomatic informal
To learn all the relevant facts about a subject in preparation for dealing with it.
"You'd better gen up on the company's history before your interview tomorrow."
inseparable
gen up
C1 informal inseparable intransitive
British informal expression meaning to obtain thorough information about something, especially in preparation.
In plain English
To find out everything you need to know about something before doing it.
What does "gen up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
To fully brief or inform someone on a topic or situation.
"Can someone gen the new team members up on the project background before the meeting?"
inseparable
Usage tip
Primarily British English. Originated in RAF slang during World War II ('gen' meaning information or intelligence). Often followed by 'on': 'gen up on the latest regulations'. Still used in British informal contexts but not common in American English.
Words that pair with "gen up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
facts briefing regulations topic situation background
How to conjugate "gen up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
gen up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gens up
he/she/it
Past simple
gened up
yesterday
Past participle
gened up
have + pp
-ing form
gening up
continuous
Hear "gen up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "gen up"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
bone up on brief oneself brush up on read up on research study up
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