Differences between back up and cover up
Back up means to move backward or reverse, or to provide support or assistance to someone or something. Cover up means to conceal or hide something, often a mistake or wrongdoing.
Meanings and Definitions: back up vs cover up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Back up
- 1Make a copy of computer data.
You should always BACK UP important wrong with the hardware.
- 2Support.
The rest of the staff BACKED her UP when she complained about working conditions.
- 3Drive a vehicle backwards.
Tom BACKED UP without looking and ran over his laptop.
Cover up
- 1Conceal, try to stop people finding out.
They tried to COVER UP the incident but it got into the newspapers.
Usage Examples: back up, cover up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
back up
Example
I always back up my computer files every week.
Example
She backs up her phone data to the cloud.
cover up
Example
The company tried to cover up the accident to avoid bad publicity.
Example
He always covers up his mistakes instead of admitting them.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Back up
To provide assistance, encouragement, or reinforcement to someone or something.
Example
I always support my friends when they need me, no matter what.
To move backward or undo a previous action or decision.
Example
I had to reverse my car because I missed the turn.
stand by
To remain loyal or supportive of someone or something, especially during difficult times.
Example
I will always stand by my family, no matter what happens.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Cover up
To hide or keep something secret or out of sight.
Example
He tried to conceal his mistake from his boss, but she found out anyway.
To cover up or gloss over a mistake or wrongdoing, often by presenting a false or misleading version of events.
Example
The company tried to whitewash the scandal by blaming it on a few rogue employees.
To hide or disguise something, often a feeling or emotion.
Example
She tried to mask her disappointment with a smile, but her eyes gave it away.
Differences in back up vs cover up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: back up or cover up?
In daily conversation, people use back up more often than cover up. This is because back up has multiple meanings and can be used in various contexts, such as driving or technology. Cover up is more specific and usually used when someone wants to hide something. So, while both phrases are used, back up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of back up and cover up
Back up and cover up are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of back up and cover up
The tone of back up and cover up can differ based on context. Back up often carries a supportive or helpful tone when related to providing assistance or reinforcement, while cover up typically has a negative or secretive tone, especially when referring to hiding a mistake or wrongdoing.
back up & cover up: Synonyms and Antonyms
Back up
Antonyms
- oppose
- contradict
- refute
- delete
- remove
- erase
- go forward
