1 A2 neutral
To physically raise something or someone to a higher position.
"He lifted the child up so she could see over the crowd."
separable
lift up
A2 neutral separable transitive
To raise something or someone to a higher position; also to make someone feel more hopeful or happier.
In plain English
To pick something up higher; or to make someone feel better and more positive.
What does "lift up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic neutral
To make someone feel more cheerful, encouraged, or hopeful.
"Her kind words really lifted me up when I was feeling low."
“
We shall lift up our heads and march on.
separable
3 C1 idiomatic formal
(Religious/formal) to direct one's voice, eyes, or heart upward in prayer or praise.
"Lift up your hearts and give thanks."
“
Lift up your hearts.
— The Book of Common Prayer, Church of England (1662 edition)
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To raise something to a higher position using physical effort.
Actually means
To pick something up higher; or to make someone feel better and more positive.
Usage tip
Both the literal (physical) and figurative (emotional) senses are very common. The figurative sense ('lift someone's spirits') is widely used in both everyday and religious/inspirational contexts. 'Lift up your hearts' is a well-known phrase from Christian liturgy. 'Lift up' is separable: 'lift it up' or 'lift up the box'.
Words that pair with "lift up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
spirits voice arms box child heart
How to conjugate "lift up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
lift up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lifts up
he/she/it
Past simple
lifted up
yesterday
Past participle
lifted up
have + pp
-ing form
lifting up
continuous
Hear "lift up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "lift up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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