Differences between bring up and look up
Bring up means to raise a topic or start a conversation about something, while look up means to search for information or a definition.
Meanings and Definitions: bring up vs look up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Bring up
- 1Mention.
They didn't BRING the subject UP at the meeting.
- 2Raise a child.
My parents BROUGHT me UP strictly.
- 3Be officially charged with a crime.
He was BROUGHT UP on charges of public intoxication.
Look up
- 1Consult a reference work ( dictionary, phonebook, etc. ) for a specific piece of information..
I didn't know the correct spelling so I had to LOOK it UP in the dictionary.
- 2Improve.
The economy is LOOKING UP.
- 3Find, trace an old friend.
I LOOKED him UP when I went back to Cambridge.
Usage Examples: bring up, look up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
bring up
Example
She always brings up interesting topics during our meetings.
Example
He brings up important issues during the discussions.
look up
Example
When I don't know a word, I look it up in the dictionary.
Example
She looks up new recipes online every week.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Bring up
To refer to or speak briefly about a topic or idea.
Example
He mentioned his interest in traveling to Europe during the summer.
To bring up or present a new topic or person to a group or individual.
Example
She introduced the new employee to the rest of the team during the meeting.
To initiate or start a discussion or debate about a particular topic or issue.
Example
He raised the issue of climate change during the conference and sparked a lively debate.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Look up
To investigate or study a particular topic or subject in depth.
Example
She spent hours researching the history of the ancient civilization for her thesis paper.
To seek advice or information from a source such as a book, expert, or website.
Example
She consulted the user manual to troubleshoot the problem with her computer.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “bring”
Phrasal Verbs with “look”
Phrasal Verbs with “up”
Differences in bring up vs look up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: bring up or look up?
In daily conversation, people use bring up more often than look up. This is because bring up is used in social situations to start conversations or discuss topics, while look up is used more in academic or professional settings to find information. So, while both phrases are used, bring up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of bring up and look up
Bring up and look 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 bring up and look up
The tone of bring up and look up can differ based on context. Bring up often carries a conversational or curious tone when related to starting a discussion or mentioning a topic, while look up typically has a more serious and focused tone, especially when referring to researching information.
