Cheer up
verb
To make someone feel happier or more hopeful.
Tom was feeling sad, so I tried to cheer him up by telling him a joke.
Often appears as...
- cheer someone up
- cheer up a bit
phrasal verb
To become happier or more hopeful.
After hearing the good news, she seemed to cheer up a bit.
Often appears as...
- cheer up on hearing
- cheer up soon
interjection
A phrase to tell someone to feel happier or more hopeful.
Cheer up! Life isn’t all gloom and doom.
Often appears as...
- cheer up
- it's not so bad. cheer up
Usage tips
Informal
verb
To make someone feel happier or more hopeful.
Tom was feeling sad, so I tried to cheer him up by telling him a joke.
Often appears as...
- cheer someone up
- cheer up a bit
phrasal verb
To become happier or more hopeful.
After hearing the good news, she seemed to cheer up a bit.
Often appears as...
- cheer up on hearing
- cheer up soon
interjection
A phrase to tell someone to feel happier or more hopeful.
Cheer up! Life isn’t all gloom and doom.
Often appears as...
- cheer up
- it's not so bad. cheer up
Usage tips
Informal
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Context
Used in sensitive situations to show empathy and support to someone who's down.
I know you're upset about the test, but let me cheer you up with some ice cream.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Mandatory
Even if someone tries to 'cheer up' another, the person may not necessarily feel better immediately.
I tried to cheer him up with a funny story, but he still looked sad.
Pro Tip 3/3Casual Tone
Usually used in informal settings among friends or family, not in formal situations.
When Sarah lost her job, her friends came over to cheer her up.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Context
Used in sensitive situations to show empathy and support to someone who's down.
I know you're upset about the test, but let me cheer you up with some ice cream.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Mandatory
Even if someone tries to 'cheer up' another, the person may not necessarily feel better immediately.
I tried to cheer him up with a funny story, but he still looked sad.
Pro Tip 3/3Casual Tone
Usually used in informal settings among friends or family, not in formal situations.
When Sarah lost her job, her friends came over to cheer her up.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Context
Used in sensitive situations to show empathy and support to someone who's down.
I know you're upset about the test, but let me cheer you up with some ice cream.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Mandatory
Even if someone tries to 'cheer up' another, the person may not necessarily feel better immediately.
I tried to cheer him up with a funny story, but he still looked sad.
Pro Tip 3/3Casual Tone
Usually used in informal settings among friends or family, not in formal situations.
When Sarah lost her job, her friends came over to cheer her up.
Never forget "Cheer up"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension