Differences between feel up and work up
Feel up means to touch someone in a sexual way without their consent, while work up means to build up or increase something gradually.
Meanings and Definitions: feel up vs work 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.
Work up
- 1To generate or develop (a feeling or emotion).
I just can’t work up any enthusiasm for this trip.
- 2To become very excited or emotional.
The kids had worked themselves up to a fever pitch of excitement.
- 3To develop or increase.
We went for a long walk to work up an appetite.
Usage Examples: feel up, work 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.
work up
Example
She tried to work up the courage to speak in front of the audience.
Example
He works up the energy to go for a run every morning.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Feel up
sexually harass
To make unwanted sexual advances or comments towards someone.
Example
It is never okay to sexually harass someone, regardless of the situation.
grope
To touch someone in a sexual way without their consent.
Example
She felt uncomfortable when he started to grope her at the party.
molest
To touch someone in a sexual way without their consent, often in a repeated and persistent manner.
Example
He was arrested for molesting several children in the neighborhood.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Work up
build up
To gradually increase or accumulate something.
Example
She needs to build up her savings before she can afford to buy a house.
stir up
To cause trouble or create a disturbance.
Example
The politician's speech stirred up controversy among the audience.
rile up
To make someone angry or upset.
Example
His insensitive comments riled up his coworkers and caused tension in the office.
Differences in feel up vs work up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: feel up or work up?
Neither feel up nor work up are very common phrasal verbs in everyday conversation. However, work up is more commonly used than feel up. Work up can be used in various contexts, such as building up an appetite or working up the courage to do something. On the other hand, feel up is a slang term that is not appropriate for most situations.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of feel up and work up
Work up is a relatively informal phrase that can be used in casual conversations with friends and colleagues. It may not be suitable for formal or professional settings. Feel up, on the other hand, is not appropriate to use in any context as it refers to sexual harassment.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of feel up and work up
The tone of feel up is inappropriate and offensive. It is not recommended to use this phrase in any context. The tone of work up can vary depending on the context. It can have a positive or negative connotation depending on the situation. For example, if someone is working up a sweat at the gym, it can be seen as a positive thing. However, if someone is working up the nerve to do something they're afraid of, it can have a negative connotation.
feel up & work up: Synonyms and Antonyms
Feel up
Synonyms
- grope
- fondle
- caress
- touch inappropriately
Antonyms
- avoid touching
- respect boundaries
- keep hands to oneself
