cheer up

To make someone feel happier when they are sad or worried.

• This song will cheer you up.
• We brought flowers to cheer up our friend.
• What always cheers you up after a hard day?

How to use it: cheer someone up (A visit from her sister cheered her up.)

Similar words: comfort, lift someone’s spirits

Opposites: sadden

Common phrases: cheer someone up, cheer up someone

To start feeling happier after being sad or worried.

• He will cheer up soon.
• She cheered up when her friends arrived.
• Did you cheer up after hearing the good news?

Similar words: brighten, perk up

Common phrases: cheer up soon, cheer up a little, cheer up again

To help someone feel happier when they are sad or worried.

• A funny film can cheer you up.
• Her kind message cheered me up yesterday.
• Could you visit Ben and cheer him up?

How to use it: cheer someone up (We hoped the present would cheer him up.)

Similar words: comfort, lift someone’s spirits

Opposites: sadden

Common phrases: cheer someone up, cheer up someone

To feel happier after feeling sad or worried.

• You may cheer up after lunch.
• He cheered up as soon as he saw the puppy.
• She usually cheers up when we go for a walk.

Similar words: brighten, perk up

Common phrases: cheer up soon, cheer up again, cheer up a little

Said to encourage someone who looks sad or worried to feel happier.

• Cheer up! We can try again.
• Cheer up, Sam; your friends are coming tomorrow.
• Cheer up, everyone! There is still time to win.

Similar words: chin up

Common phrases: cheer up everyone, cheer up now, cheer up mate