sit up
The phrase 'sit up' has various meanings, from physical actions to expressions of interest or alertness.
Definition
A2General
To move from lying down to a sitting position.
Example
- After the long nap, he managed to sit up slowly.
B1General
To straighten the back and shoulders while seated.
Example
- The teacher told the students to sit up straight.
B2Informal
(informal)To become suddenly interested or alert.
Example
- Everyone sat up when they heard the exciting news.
B1Exercise
(exercise)An exercise involving lying on the back and lifting the upper body to a sitting position.
Example
- She does 50 sit-ups every morning to strengthen her core.
B2General
To stay awake and remain seated, often for a specific purpose.
Example
- He had to sit up all night to finish the project.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "sit up":
sit up withstand upget upstay uphead upwake upstraighten upjerk upget it upstiff upperk upscoot upjump uppush uplift upstick upstand up withrise upsit underget up inbrace upsit forsit rightpull uplook upsit uponsit onsit withprick upsit stillchin upbelly upnut upsit inmove upsit oversit backsit downbear upshape upstep upbutts upman uphey upbell upbob upkeep upbitch upride upgee upflex upbuck uphop upsend upstand up tolie backleg upmuscle upgo upkick upbull upjack upget up earlycome upread upsit outset upspeak upride up onclimb upjoke upwork upwindow uppull up a chairheads uppipe upprop upup for