What are the definitions of “cheer up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Be less unhappy.
Come on, CHEER UP; it isn't all bad, you know.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “cheer up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb cheer up is to become happier or to make someone feel happier. It is often used when someone is feeling sad or upset, and another person wants to help them feel better.
What are the different verb forms of “cheer up”?
| Root Verb | cheer up |
| Third Person Singular Present | cheers up |
| Present Participle | cheering up |
| Simple Past | cheered up |
| Past Participle | cheered up |
Example
I always try to cheer up my friends when they are feeling down.
Example
She cheers up quickly when she sees her favorite movie.
Example
He is cheering up after receiving some good news.
Example
Yesterday, they cheered up when they heard the funny joke.
Example
She was cheered up by the surprise party her friends threw for her.
What kind of phrasal verb is “cheer up”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“cheer up” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
She cheered up after receiving the good news.
Example
He cheered up when he saw his friends.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“cheer up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She cheered up after receiving the good news.
Example
He cheered up when he saw his friends.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “cheer up”?
Cheer someone up
To make someone feel happier or less sad.
Example
I bought her some flowers to cheer her up after her surgery.
Cheer up, buttercup
A playful and affectionate phrase used to encourage someone to feel happier.
Example
Cheer up, buttercup! Things will get better soon.
Good things to know
Does “cheer up” have an informal or formal tone?
Cheer up is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. It may not be suitable for very formal settings, where more formal expressions like 'lift one's spirits' or 'brighten one's mood' might be preferred.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “cheer up”?
Synonyms
- recover
- brighten up
- lift spirits
- perk up
- become happier
- improve mood
- feel better
- buck up
Antonyms
- depress
- sadden
- dishearten
- discourage
- upset
- bring down
- dampen spirits
- worsen mood
