WordVale

make up

to invent; to reconcile; to compensate

In Phrasal Verbs

In more detail

1. (verb) to invent or create something false or imaginary

2. (verb) to apply cosmetics such as foundation, lipstick, and eyeshadow to your face

3. (verb) to end a disagreement or become friends again after an argument

4. (verb) to create or arrange something by combining parts or materials

Examples

• 1. The children made up a story about pirates and treasure.
• 2. She makes up her face every morning before work.
• 3. After their fight, they made up and apologized to each other.

How to use make up

Make up has four distinct meanings depending on context. When meaning to invent, it often implies creating something deliberately false or untrue. When referring to cosmetics, it's used as both verb and noun (the makeup itself). When reconciling after conflict, it emphasizes restoration of friendship or relationship. The phrasal verb's meaning is determined largely by its object and context.

Common phrases

• make up a story
• make up your mind
• make up after a fight
• make up your face
• make up for lost time

Synonyms

fabricate · invent · compose · concoct · devise

Opposites

truth · reality

Word family

makeup · made-up

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse the three-word form 'make up for' (to compensate) with the two-word 'make up' (to invent or apply cosmetics), or miss that 'make up your mind' is a fixed expression meaning to decide.

Nearby in Phrasal Verbs

look into, look up to, make out, narrow down, opt for, pass out

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained