Differences between give away and give up
Give away means to give something as a gift or for free, while give up means to stop doing something or to surrender.
Meanings and Definitions: give away vs give up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Give away
- 1Entrust your daughter to her husband through the marriage ceremony.
He GAVE his daughter AWAY and told the groom to look after her.
- 2Tell a secret, often unintentionally.
She didn't GIVE anything AWAY about the party so it came as a complete surprise to me.
- 3Distribute something for free.
In this issue of the magazine, they are giving away a free DVD.
- 4Give without asking for or expecting payment.
He decided to GIVE his new album AWAY in a magazine.
- 5Give an advantage to your opponent in a sport by making a mistake, playing badly, etc.
They GAVE AWAY two goals in the first half.
- 6Give an unwanted baby to people to bring up.
She had to GIVE her baby AWAY as she couldn't afford to bring it up.
- 7Betray, report to authorities.
The gang GAVE him AWAY to the police.
- 8Give a weight advantage to an opponent in boxing.
He is GIVING AWAY thirty pounds to the challenger.
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: give away, give up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
give away
Example
The radio station is giving away concert tickets to the first caller.
Example
She gives away her old clothes to charity.
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 Give away
To give something to a charity or organization without expecting anything in return.
Example
She decided to donate all her old clothes to the local shelter.
To give something as a present or token of appreciation.
Example
He gifted his wife a beautiful necklace for their anniversary.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Give up
To stop doing something, especially when it's challenging or difficult.
Example
She decided to quit smoking after years of trying to quit.
To leave behind or give up on something or someone.
Example
He abandoned his dream of becoming a musician and pursued a career in finance instead.
To let go of something or give it up willingly.
Example
She relinquished her position as CEO to focus on her family.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “give”
Phrasal Verbs with “away”
Differences in give away vs give up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: give away or give up?
In daily conversation, people use give away more often than give up. This is because give away is used for more positive situations such as donating or gifting items. Give up is not used as much in everyday conversation, but it is commonly used when talking about quitting a habit or activity. So, while both phrases are used, give away is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of give away and give up
Give away and give 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 give away and give up
The tone of give away and give up can differ based on context. Give away often carries a generous or charitable tone when related to giving something as a gift or donation, while give up typically has a defeated or resigned tone, especially when referring to quitting something.
