Make up Meaning in English

expression

US

UK

Definition

To invent something, especially a story or excuse; to become friends again after an argument; or to apply cosmetics to the face.

Usage & Nuances

Very common multi-purpose phrasal verb. Common collocations: 'make up a story/excuse', 'make up with someone', 'put on make-up'. 'Make up' (invent) is neutral; 'make up with' (reconcile) is informal; as a noun, 'makeup' (cosmetics) is written as one word. Context determines meaning.

• Spanish: inventar - reconciliarse - maquillar
• Portuguese (BR): inventar - fazer as pazes - maquiar
• Portuguese (PT): inventar - fazer as pazes - maquilhar
• Chinese (Simplified): 编造 - 和解 - 化妆
• Chinese (Traditional): 編造 - 和解 - 化妝
• Hindi: बनाना (कहानी आदि) - सुलह करना - मेकअप करना
• Arabic: يخترع (قصة) - يصطلح - يضع مكياجًا
• Bengali: গড়া (কাহিনি/অজুহাত) - মিল মেটানো (মানে ভুল বোঝাবুঝি শেষে পুনরায় বন্ধু হওয়া) - মেকআপ করা (মুখে প্রসাধন করা)
• Russian: придумывать (историю/оправдание) - мириться (после ссоры) - наносить макияж
• Japanese: 作り話をする - 仲直りする - 化粧をする
• Vietnamese: bịa ra (câu chuyện/lý do) - làm hòa - trang điểm
• Korean: 지어내다 (이야기/핑계) - 화해하다 - 화장하다
• Turkish: uydurmak (hikaye/bahane) - barışmak - makyaj yapmak
• Urdu: گھڑنا (کہانی/بہانہ) - صلح کرنا - میک اپ کرنا
• Indonesian: bịa ra (chuyện/cái cớ) - làm lành - trang điểm

Example Sentences

She likes to make up stories for her little brother.

basic

After the fight, they decided to make up and be friends again.

basic

She needs time every morning to make up before work.

basic

He forgot our anniversary, so now he has to make up for it.

natural

Can you believe she tried to make up an excuse for being late again?

natural

Don't worry, you two always make up after arguing.

natural