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sparkle up

B2 informal separable both
In simple words

To make something look brighter, shinier, or more exciting.

Literal meaning: To add sparkle going upward — fairly transparent.

Meanings

1 B2 informal

To make something look brighter, shinier, or more attractive by adding decorative or shiny elements.

"A few fairy lights will really sparkle up the living room for the party."

Grammar: separable
2 B2 idiomatic informal

To become or make something more lively, energetic, or engaging.

"Her witty remarks sparkled up what had been a rather dull conference."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Not highly frequent and not in all dictionaries. Used in beauty, home décor, and event planning contexts. Also used figuratively to mean making something more engaging or vivid. 'Sparkle up' is more vivid than 'brighten up'.

Commonly used with

room outfit display presentation décor appearance

Forms

Base
sparkle up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sparkles up
he/she/it
Past simple
sparkled up
yesterday
Past participle
sparkled up
have + pp
-ing form
sparkling up
continuous

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Synonyms

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