Differences between swallow up and well up
Swallow up usually means to completely engulf or absorb something, while well up generally means to fill with tears or emotions.
Meanings and Definitions: swallow up vs well up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Swallow up
- 1To use or take up a large amount of something, especially money.
But a sizeable portion of the profits were swallowed up in capital gains tax.
- 2To be taken over or absorbed by something larger or more powerful.
The company was swallowed up in a corporate merger.
- 3To completely engulf or consume.
The whole building was swallowed up by flames.
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: swallow up, well up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
swallow up
Example
The project swallowed up most of our budget.
Example
The new software update swallows up a lot of memory on the computer.
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 Swallow up
To completely surround or cover something.
Example
The flames quickly engulfed the entire building, leaving nothing but ashes.
To use up or destroy something completely.
Example
The new project consumed all of her time and energy, leaving her exhausted.
To take in or assimilate something completely.
Example
The sponge absorbed all the water in the sink, leaving it dry.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Well up
choke up
To become emotional and unable to speak due to sadness or sentimentality.
Example
She choked up when she saw the old photo album and remembered her childhood memories.
tear up
To cry or become emotional, causing tears to form in one's eyes.
Example
He teared up when he heard the news of his friend's passing.
fill up
To become full or overflowing with emotions or feelings.
Example
Her heart filled up with joy when she saw her children playing together happily.
Differences in swallow up vs well up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: swallow up or well up?
In daily conversation, people use well up more often than swallow up. This is because well up is used to describe emotional responses that are common in everyday life. Swallow up is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about things being consumed by other things. So, while both phrases are used, well up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of swallow up and well up
Swallow 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 swallow up and well up
The tone of swallow up and well up can differ based on context. Swallow up often carries a negative or ominous tone when referring to something being consumed or destroyed, while well up typically has a sentimental or emotional tone, especially when referring to tears or feelings.
