Differences between dredge up and give up
Dredge up means to bring up or uncover something from the past, while give up means to stop trying or surrender.
Meanings and Definitions: dredge up vs give up
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Dredge up
- 1Discover things about someone's past.
The newspapers DREDGED UP the details of his affair with his research assistant.
Give up
- 1Stop doing something that has been a habit.
I GAVE UP taking sugar in tea and coffee to lose weight.
- 2Stop being friendly, end relationships.
She GAVE UP all her school friends when she went to university.
- 3Stop doing something.
I have GIVEN UP trying to help them.
- 4Surrender, stop trying.
I can't think of the answer; I GIVE UP.
- 5Sacrifice or dedicate time, etc, to something.
I GAVE UP all my free time to the project.
- 6Allow someone to sit in your chair, take your place, etc.
I GAVE UP my seat to a pregnant woman.
- 7Allow or give away a run while pitching ( baseball ).
He has GIVEN UP 14 earned runs in 14 innings.
Usage Examples: dredge up, give up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
dredge up
Example
The reporter tried to dredge up old scandals about the politician.
Example
She dredges up old memories whenever they meet.
give up
Example
I decided to give up eating junk food.
Example
She gives up too easily when things get tough.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Dredge up
dig up
To uncover or reveal something that was hidden or forgotten.
Example
The journalist dug up some new information about the scandal that had been kept secret for years.
To discuss or go over something again, especially something that has already been resolved or decided.
Example
I don't want to rehash our argument from last week. Let's move on and find a solution.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Give up
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Phrasal Verbs with “give”
Differences in dredge up vs give up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: dredge up or give up?
In daily conversation, people use give up more often than dredge up. This is because give up is a common phrase used in various situations, such as when someone quits a task or admits defeat. Dredge up is less common and usually used in specific contexts, such as discussing past events or memories.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of dredge up and give up
Dredge up and give up are both informal phrases that can be used in casual conversations. However, give up can also be used in formal settings, such as in business or academic contexts, to convey a sense of resignation or acceptance.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of dredge up and give up
The tone of dredge up and give up can differ based on context. Dredge up often carries a negative or uncomfortable tone when referring to past events or memories, while give up can have a neutral or even positive tone, especially when someone decides to give up on something that is not worth pursuing.
