Phrasal verbs "big up" vs "well up"

Differences between big up and well up

Big up is a phrasal verb that means to praise or show admiration for someone or something, while well up means to fill with tears or emotions.

Meanings and Definitions: big up vs well up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Big up

  • 1Exaggerate the importance.

    He BIGS himself UP all the time.

  • 2Increase the size of muscles by exercise.

    They work out a lot to BIG themselves UP.

Well up

  • 1Feel tears starting.

    I felt tears WELLING UP when I heard the news.

  • 2Feel an emotion strongly.

    Anger WELLED UP inside us when we saw what they had done.

  • 3Experience an emotion or feeling, start to cry.

    Tears WELLED UP when I heard they had died.

Usage Examples: big up, well up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

big up

Example

He always bigs up his achievements to impress others.

Example

She bigs up her friends whenever they accomplish something.

well up

Example

Tears well up in her eyes when she watches a sad movie.

Example

He wells up every time he hears the national anthem.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Big up

To acknowledge or recognize someone's contribution or achievement.

Example

We should give credit to the team for their hard work and dedication to the project.

To express admiration or praise for someone or something.

Example

He always speaks highly of his mother's cooking and hospitality.

To publicly acknowledge or give recognition to someone or something.

Example

I want to shout out to my best friend for always being there for me.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Well up

choke up

To become emotional and unable to speak due to strong feelings.

Example

She choked up when she saw her childhood home after many years.

tear up

To cry or become emotional, often due to sadness or joy.

Example

He teared up when he received the news of his promotion.

get emotional

To become overwhelmed with feelings, often leading to tears or strong reactions.

Example

She got emotional when she heard the touching story of the orphaned children.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in big up vs well up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: big up or well up?

In daily conversation, people use big up more often than well up. This is because big up is used to express appreciation or admiration for someone or something, which is a common sentiment in everyday interactions. Well up, on the other hand, is used less frequently and usually in more emotional situations.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of big up and well up

Big up and well up are both 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 big up and well up

The tone of big up and well up can differ based on context. Big up often carries a positive and enthusiastic tone when praising someone or something, while well up typically has a more emotional and vulnerable tone, especially when referring to tears or strong emotions.

big up & well up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Well up

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • repress
  • calm down
  • compose oneself
  • control emotions
  • suppress
  • hold back

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