Differences between perk up and spruce up
Perk up means to become more lively, cheerful, or energetic, while spruce up means to improve the appearance of something or someone.
Meanings and Definitions: perk up vs spruce up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Perk up
- 1Feel better or happier, make someone feel better or happier.
She was ill in bed with flu, but she PERKED UP a bit when some friends dropped by.
Spruce up
- 1To smarten, make something neat and tidy.
We SPRUCED the flat UP before we put it on the market.
Usage Examples: perk up, spruce up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
perk up
Example
When she heard the good news, she perked up immediately.
Example
He always perks up when he sees his favorite snack.
spruce up
Example
I need to spruce up my room before my friends come over.
Example
She spruces up her apartment every weekend.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Perk up
brighten up
To become more cheerful or lively.
Example
She brightened up when she heard the good news about her promotion.
cheer up
To become happier or more optimistic.
Example
He tried to cheer up his friend who was feeling down after a breakup.
pick up
To become more lively or energetic.
Example
After a cup of coffee, he started to pick up and feel more alert.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Spruce up
tidy up
To make something neat and organized.
Example
She spent the morning tidying up the house before her guests arrived.
polish up
To improve the appearance or quality of something.
Example
He spent hours polishing up his presentation to impress his boss.
touch up
To make small improvements or adjustments to something.
Example
She decided to touch up her makeup before going out for dinner.
Differences in perk up vs spruce up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: perk up or spruce up?
Both phrases are commonly used in everyday conversation, but spruce up is slightly more common than perk up. This is because spruce up can be used in a wider range of situations, such as improving the appearance of a room or a garden, while perk up is mainly used to describe a person's mood or energy level.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of perk up and spruce up
Spruce up is slightly more formal than perk up, but both phrases are still considered informal and suitable for casual conversations. In more formal settings, it's better to use alternative expressions that convey a more professional tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of perk up and spruce up
The tone of perk up is usually positive and upbeat, while the tone of spruce up can vary depending on the situation. It can be positive and enthusiastic when referring to improving the appearance of something, or critical and demanding when used to suggest that someone needs to improve their appearance.
perk up & spruce up: Synonyms and Antonyms
Perk up
Synonyms
- brighten
- revive
- refresh
- enliven
- invigorate
- cheer up
- liven up
- energize