Work up
2 meanings · select one to explore
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Meaning 1 of 3
Definition
To gradually develop a feeling or physical state through effort
Example sentence
He worked up the courage to ask for a raise.
Real video usage
Three clips showing this meaning in natural speech.
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Common collocations
Natural word pairings to memorize.
Common pattern: work up + feeling/physical state (noun)
work up the courage
work up an appetite
work up a sweat
work up the nerve
work up enthusiasm
Separable usage
Can the object split the verb? Compare correct vs incorrect.
She worked up an appetite after the long hike. ✅ (Correct)
She worked an appetite up after the long hike. ✅ (Correct)