Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

make up

/ˌmeɪk ˈʌp/

Word Rarity Common

Frequency: Zipf frequency 5.91 in modern English

Syllables: make up
IPA: /ˌmeɪk ˈʌp/

14

Scrabble Score

6

Letters

1

Syllables

6

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To constitute, to compose.

verb

To constitute, to compose.

Transitive verb

verb

To compensate, to fill in, to catch up.

Transitive verb

verb

To compensate, to fill in, to catch up.

Intransitive verb

verb

To invent, to imagine, to concoct

verb

To invent, to imagine, to concoct

verb

To assemble, to prepare.

verb

To assemble, to prepare.

Example Sentences

"The words "dream interpretation" […] remind one of all sorts of childish, superstitious notions, which make up the thread and woof of dream books, read by none but the ignorant and the primitive."
"The critical component of the photosynthetic system is the water-oxidizing complex, made up of manganese atoms and a calcium atom."
"He can make up the time next week."
"The Argentine found Dzeko and his killer ball was timed brilliantly for the Ivorian, who made up 90 yards, to slot in."
"Still, by omitting some stops and running fast to Exmouth it makes up those lost minutes, and I get back to Exmouth bang on time at 2019, tired but happy."
"What I lack in patience, I make up for in drive."

Etymology

From Middle English maken up, equivalent to make + up (adverb).

Origin

Source language: Middle English

Word Breakdown

Root: maken up

Usage

Inflected Forms

makes up (present, singular) making up (participle, present) made up (participle, past) made up (past) make ups (plural)

Phrases

kiss and make up make it up as one goes along make it up to make-up make up for lost time make up one's mind make-up sex make up the numbers

Frequently Paired Words

kiss and make up make it up as one goes along make it up to make-up make up for lost time make up one's mind make-up sex make up the numbers

Synonyms

compose form compound comprise constitute indite make up represent upmake fabulate cosmeticize fard

Questions

How do you pronounce make up?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˌmeɪk ˈʌp/.
What does make up mean?: To constitute, to compose.
Where does make up come from?: It is traced to Middle English.

How to pronounce make up

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “make up”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˌmeɪk ˈʌp/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “make up”.
Repeat and practice — Say “make up” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.