an advantage or benefit that is given to some people and not to others, to become more cheerful, lively, or interesting

perk up one's ears, perk up the conversation, perk up the room

Formal and Informal Expressions of perk

In different contexts, you can replace 'perk' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'benefit, advantage' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'bonus, upside' is a commonplace synonym.

perk: Explore its Definition & Usage

perk Definition

1an advantage or benefit that is given to some people and not to others
2to become more cheerful, lively, or interesting

Using perk: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "perk" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
Free meals are one of the perks of the job.
Example
The company offers a range of perks to attract and retain staff.
Example
She perked up when she heard the good news.
Example
The coffee helped to perk me up.

perk Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for perk

Antonyms for perk

Phrases with perk

perk up one's ears
to start listening carefully because you have heard something interesting or important
Example
I perked up my ears when I heard them talking about my favorite band.
perk up the conversation
to make a conversation more interesting or lively
Example
He tried to perk up the conversation by telling a joke.
perk up the room
to make a room more attractive or comfortable
Example
She added some plants to perk up the room.

Origins of perk

shortened form of 'perquisite', from Latin 'perquisitum', meaning 'acquisition'

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Summary: perk in Brief

The term 'perk' [pɜːk] refers to an advantage or benefit given to some people, such as free meals at work. It can also mean to become more cheerful or lively, as in 'She perked up when she heard the good news.' Phrases like 'perk up one's ears' and 'perk up the conversation' denote attentiveness and liveliness, while 'perk up the room' means to make a space more attractive or comfortable.