Phrasal verbs "butter up" vs "cheer up"

Differences between butter up and cheer up

Butter up means to flatter someone in order to gain their favor or to get them to do something for you, while cheer up means to make someone feel happier or less sad.

Meanings and Definitions: butter up vs cheer up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Butter up

  • 1Praise or flatter someone excessively.

    I tried BUTTERING my tutor UP but she still wouldn \' t let me hand it in late.

Cheer up

  • 1Be less unhappy.

    Come on, CHEER UP; it isn't all bad, you know.

Usage Examples: butter up, cheer up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

butter up

Example

She always tries to butter up her boss before asking for a day off.

Example

He butters up his teacher to get extra credit.

cheer up

Example

I always try to cheer up my friends when they are feeling down.

Example

She cheers up quickly when she sees her favorite movie.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Butter up

suck up to

To flatter someone excessively in order to gain their favor or approval.

Example

He's always sucking up to the boss by complimenting her and agreeing with everything she says.

brown-nose

To flatter someone in a sycophantic manner in order to gain their favor or approval.

Example

She's always brown-nosing the teacher by bringing her coffee and offering to help with extra tasks.

sweet-talk

To speak to someone in a flattering or persuasive way in order to get them to do something.

Example

He tried to sweet-talk his way out of the speeding ticket by complimenting the police officer and apologizing profusely.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Cheer up

To make someone feel happier or more cheerful.

Example

The flowers she received from her friend really brightened up her day.

lift one's spirits

To make someone feel happier or more optimistic.

Example

The good news about her job interview lifted her spirits and gave her hope for the future.

perk up

To become more lively or cheerful.

Example

The music playing in the background perked up the atmosphere at the party and got people dancing.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “cheer”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in butter up vs cheer up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: butter up or cheer up?

In daily conversation, people use cheer up more often than butter up. This is because cheer up is used to express empathy and support for someone who is feeling down. Butter up is not used as much in everyday conversation, but it can be used in certain situations such as when trying to persuade someone to do something.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of butter up and cheer up

Butter up and cheer 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 butter up and cheer up

The tone of butter up and cheer up can differ based on context. Butter up often carries a manipulative or insincere tone when used to flatter someone for personal gain, while cheer up typically has a supportive and caring tone, especially when referring to comforting someone who is feeling sad or upset.

butter up & cheer up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Cheer up

Synonyms

  • recover
  • brighten up
  • lift spirits
  • perk up
  • become happier
  • improve mood
  • feel better
  • buck up

Antonyms

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