WordValelive up to
to meet expectations
In more detail
1. (phrasal verb) to do as well as or be as good as something expected or promised
2. (phrasal verb) to fulfill or achieve something that someone hoped for
Examples
- 1. The new restaurant didn't live up to all the positive reviews we read online.
- 2. She worked hard to live up to her parents' expectations.
How to use live up to
This phrasal verb is used when someone or something either meets or fails to meet hopes, promises, or expectations. It carries an evaluative tone, often suggesting a comparison between what was expected and what actually occurred. It is slightly more informal and conversational than the single verb 'fulfill' but more specific in its emphasis on external expectations or established benchmarks.
Common phrases
- live up to expectations
- live up to one's potential
- live up to the hype
- live up to promises
- live up to standards
Synonyms
fulfill · meet · achieve · accomplish · satisfy
Opposites
fall short of · disappoint · fail
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse the direction of the expectation, using it as if the subject must be passively good rather than actively meeting a standard that others have set or a person has themselves promised.
Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.
Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD