Differences between pick up and well up
Pick up usually means to lift something or someone from a surface, or to collect something or someone from a place. It can also mean to improve or increase in speed or intensity. On the other hand, well up means to fill with tears or emotions, often used to describe when tears come to one's eyes.
Meanings and Definitions: pick up vs well up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Pick up
- 1Improve.
Sales PICKED UP a bit during the Christmas period.
- 2Learn quickly.
She PICKED UP Spanish in six months.
- 3Collect.
While you're in town, can you PICK UP my trousers from the Dry Cleaner?
- 4Receive ( a broadcast ).
When we rent a holiday cottage in Cornwall, we can't PICK UP Channel 5.
- 5Collect ( a person ). This differs from the' collect a thing' meaning - as that means' collect and bring back' whereas this means either ( i )' collect and drop off on your way' or ( ii )' collect and bring to the same destination'..
i ) Can you PICK me UP and take me to The George when you go to the party? ii ) Can you PICK UP some friends of mine on your way to the party? They're going too.
Well up
- 1Feel tears starting.
I felt tears WELLING UP when I heard the news.
- 2Feel an emotion strongly.
Anger WELLED UP inside us when we saw what they had done.
- 3Experience an emotion or feeling, start to cry.
Tears WELLED UP when I heard they had died.
Usage Examples: pick up, well up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
pick up
Example
I need to pick up my dry cleaning today.
Example
She picks up her kids from school every day.
well up
Example
Tears well up in her eyes when she watches a sad movie.
Example
He wells up every time he hears the national anthem.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pick up
To gather things or people from different places and bring them together.
Example
I need to collect my clothes from the dry cleaners before they close.
To raise something or someone from a surface or position.
Example
Can you help me lift this heavy box onto the shelf?
To make something better or more satisfactory.
Example
She started to improve her grades after getting a tutor.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Well up
choke up
To become emotional and have difficulty speaking due to strong feelings.
Example
She choked up when she saw the surprise party her friends had planned for her.
tear up
To become emotional and start crying.
Example
He teared up when he heard the news of his grandfather's passing.
get emotional
To become overwhelmed with feelings and start crying or feeling intense emotions.
Example
She got emotional when she watched the video of her sister's wedding.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “pick”
Phrasal Verbs with “up”
Differences in pick up vs well up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: pick up or well up?
In daily conversation, people use pick up more often than well up. This is because pick up is used for more daily tasks and routines such as picking up groceries or picking up a friend from the airport. Well up is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about emotions. So, while both phrases are used, pick up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of pick up and well up
Pick up and well 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 pick up and well up
The tone of pick up and well up can differ based on context. Pick up often carries a practical and casual tone, especially when referring to daily tasks or routines. On the other hand, well up typically has an emotional and sensitive tone, especially when referring to feelings or tears.
pick up & well up: Synonyms and Antonyms
Pick up
Antonyms
- leave
- ignore
- miss
- deteriorate
- lose
- drop off
- decline
