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Phrasal verbs "make up" vs "shut up"

Differences between make up and shut up

Make up means to reconcile or forgive after an argument or disagreement, while shut up means to stop talking or be quiet.

Meanings and Definitions: make up vs shut up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Make up

  • 1Stop being angry with someone.

    They are always arguing, but they MAKE UP again very quickly.

  • 2Put on cosmetics.

    She went to the bathroom to MAKE her face UP.

  • 3Invent a story.

    They MADE UP an excuse for being late.

Shut up

  • 1Stop talking or making noise.

    He told us to SHUT UP and start working.

  • 2Close for a period of time.

    They SHUT the shop UP for a fortnight while they were on holiday.

Usage Examples: make up, shut up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

make up

Example

They always argue, but they make up quickly.

Example

She makes up with her sister after every fight.

shut up

Example

Please shut up and let me concentrate.

Example

He never shuts up when he starts talking about his favorite topic.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Make up

patch things up

To reconcile or resolve a conflict between two people or groups.

Example

After their argument, they decided to patch things up and move forward with their friendship.

forgive and forget

To let go of past grievances and move on from a conflict or disagreement.

Example

She decided to forgive and forget the hurtful comments and focus on rebuilding their relationship.

bury the hatchet

To make peace or reconcile after a long-standing conflict or disagreement.

Example

After years of animosity, they finally decided to bury the hatchet and start fresh.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Shut up

be quiet

To stop talking or making noise.

Example

I need you to be quiet so I can concentrate on my work.

keep quiet

To remain silent or not speak about something.

Example

He decided to keep quiet about the surprise party so he wouldn't spoil the surprise.

zip it

To tell someone to stop talking or be quiet in a forceful or humorous way.

Example

When his friend started revealing embarrassing stories, he jokingly told him to zip it before he said too much.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “make”

Phrasal Verbs with “shut”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in make up vs shut up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: make up or shut up?

In daily conversation, people use shut up more often than make up. This is because shut up is used frequently in situations where someone is being too loud or annoying. Make up is not used as much, but it's still a common phrase when referring to resolving conflicts. So, while both phrases are used, shut up is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of make up and shut up

Make up and shut 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 make up and shut up

The tone of make up and shut up can differ based on context. Make up often carries a conciliatory or apologetic tone when related to resolving conflicts, while shut up typically has a commanding or annoyed tone, especially when telling someone to be quiet.

make up & shut up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Make up

Antonyms

Shut up

Synonyms

  • silence
  • be quiet
  • hush
  • stop talking
  • hold your tongue
  • keep quiet
  • pipe down
  • button it

Antonyms

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