What does the phrasal verb “freshen up” mean?

What are the definitions of “freshen up”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Wash quickly and improve appearance.

  I'm going to the bathroom to FRESHEN UP before they arrive.

• 2. Add more alcohol to a glass before it is empty.

  Here, let me FRESHEN UP your drink.

• 3. Quickly improve the appearance of something.

  The magazine gives you tips on how to FRESHEN UP your home cheaply.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “freshen up”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb freshen up is to quickly wash and improve one's appearance. It often refers to a brief grooming session, such as washing one's face, brushing one's teeth, or fixing one's hair.

What are the different verb forms of “freshen up”?

Root Verb	freshen up
Third Person Singular Present	freshens up
Present Participle	freshening up
Simple Past	freshened up
Past Participle	freshened up

Example

I need to freshen up before the guests arrive.

Example

She always freshens up after a long day at work.

Example

He is freshening up in the bathroom before the meeting.

Example

Yesterday, they freshened up before going to the party.

Example

She had freshened up before her date arrived.

What kind of phrasal verb is “freshen up”?

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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

“freshen 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

I need to freshen up before the party.

Example

He freshened up in the bathroom.

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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

“freshen 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

I need to freshen up before the party.

Example

He freshened up in the bathroom.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “freshen up”?

Freshen up a drink

Add more alcohol or another beverage to a glass before it is empty.

Example

Here, let me freshen up your drink.

Freshen up a room or space

Quickly improve the appearance of a room or area, often by cleaning or rearranging items.

Example

The magazine gives you tips on how to freshen up your home cheaply.

Freshen up one's breath

Improve the smell of one's breath, often by using breath mints or mouthwash.

Example

After lunch, she used a breath mint to freshen up her breath.

Good things to know

Does “freshen up” have an informal or formal tone?

Freshen up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal situations, depending on the context.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “freshen up”?

Synonyms

• revitalize
• rejuvenate
• refresh
• renew
• restore
• revive
• recharge
• spruce up
• tidy up
• clean up

Antonyms for {keyword}

• neglect
• ignore
• deteriorate
• worsen
• degenerate
• weaken
• diminish
• fade
• wilt
• decline