Phrasal verbs "feel up" vs "take up"

Differences between feel up and take up

Feel up means to touch someone in a sexual way without their consent, which is illegal and inappropriate. On the other hand, take up means to start doing a new hobby, activity, or job.

Meanings and Definitions: feel up vs take up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Feel up

  • 1Touch sexually, grope.

    Someone FELT me UP in the club as I was trying to get to the bar.

Take up

  • 1Fill or occupy time or space.

    An awful lot of my time at work is TAKEN UP with pointless bureaucracy nowadays.

  • 2Make clothes shorter.

    The trousers were too long so I TOOK them UP to make them fit.

  • 3Start a new hobby, pastime, etc..

    He TOOK UP squash as he felt he had to lose some weight.

Usage Examples: feel up, take up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

feel up

Example

He tried to feel up the woman at the party, but she pushed him away.

Example

She feels up her partner when they are alone.

take up

Example

She decided to take up painting as a way to relax.

Example

He takes up a new hobby every year to challenge himself.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Feel up

To touch someone in a sexual way without their consent, which is a crime and a violation of human rights.

Example

He was arrested for sexually assaulting a woman on the subway by feeling her up.

grope

To touch someone's body in a sexual way without their consent, which is a form of sexual harassment and assault.

Example

She reported her boss for groping her during a meeting, which made her feel uncomfortable and unsafe.

harass sexually

To make unwanted sexual advances or comments towards someone, which is a form of sexual harassment and can cause emotional distress.

Example

She filed a complaint against her neighbor for sexually harassing her by making lewd comments and gestures.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Take up

To begin a new activity, hobby, or job.

Example

She decided to start doing yoga to improve her flexibility and reduce stress.

pick up

To learn or acquire a new skill or knowledge through practice or study.

Example

He wanted to pick up a new language, so he enrolled in a language course and practiced every day.

To start a new project, journey, or adventure with enthusiasm and determination.

Example

They decided to embark on a road trip across the country to explore new places and create memories.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “feel”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in feel up vs take up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: feel up or take up?

While both phrases are used, take up is more common than feel up. This is because take up is a common phrasal verb that can be used in various contexts, such as starting a new hobby or taking up a challenge. In contrast, feel up is not commonly used in everyday conversation due to its negative connotation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of feel up and take up

Take up is a neutral phrase that can be used in both formal and informal settings. It's suitable for business, academic, and social contexts. However, feel up is an inappropriate and illegal act, and it's not suitable for any context.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of feel up and take up

The tone of feel up is negative and inappropriate, and it can cause discomfort or harm to the person being touched. In contrast, take up has a positive and enthusiastic tone, especially when referring to starting a new hobby or activity.

feel up & take up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Feel up

Synonyms

  • grope
  • fondle
  • caress
  • touch inappropriately

Antonyms

  • avoid touching
  • respect boundaries
  • keep hands to oneself

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