Differences between stiffen up and summon up
Stiffen up means to become tense or rigid, while summon up means to gather or muster the courage or strength to do something.
Meanings and Definitions: stiffen up vs summon up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Stiffen up
- 1Become rigid.
My back STIFFENS UP in cold weather.
- 2Make something rigid.
They used starch to STIFFEN the collars UP.
Summon up
- 1Get the energy or courage to do something.
Andrea couldn't SUMMON UP the enthusiasm to apply for the position.
Usage Examples: stiffen up, summon up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
stiffen up
Example
When it gets cold, my muscles stiffen up.
Example
Her knee stiffens up after sitting for a long time.
summon up
Example
I need to summon up the courage to ask for a raise.
Example
She summons up the energy to go for a run every morning.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Stiffen up
freeze up
To become unable to move or act due to fear or anxiety.
Example
When she saw the spider, she froze up and couldn't move for a few seconds.
clam up
To become silent or refuse to speak due to fear or anxiety.
Example
He clammed up during the interview and didn't answer some of the questions.
tense up
To become physically or emotionally tense due to fear or anxiety.
Example
She tensed up when she heard the loud noise outside her window.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Summon up
gather up
To collect or accumulate something, such as courage or strength.
Example
He had to gather up all his courage to ask her out on a date.
muster up
To gather or summon something, such as courage or strength.
Example
She had to muster up all her strength to lift the heavy box.
work up
To build or develop something, such as courage or strength.
Example
He had to work up the courage to apologize to his friend.
Differences in stiffen up vs summon up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: stiffen up or summon up?
In daily conversation, people use summon up more often than stiffen up. This is because summon up is used in a wider range of situations, such as when someone needs to gather the courage to speak in public or when they need to find the strength to face a difficult situation. Stiffen up is not used as much and is usually reserved for situations where someone becomes tense or rigid due to fear or anxiety.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of stiffen up and summon up
Stiffen up and summon up are both 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 stiffen up and summon up
The tone of stiffen up and summon up can differ based on context. Stiffen up often carries a negative or fearful tone, while summon up typically has a positive and determined tone.
