Well up Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To rise or fill up, usually referring to liquids or strong feelings, especially tears or emotions becoming visible.
Usage & Nuances
Often used for tears ('tears well up'), but also for emotions ('anger welled up in him'). More poetic or literary than common in casual speech. Usually not used for literal filling up with objects; it's about rising up of feeling or liquid. 'Well up' is intransitive and often appears with 'in' or 'with'.
Example Sentences
Tears began to well up in her eyes.
basic
Anger started to well up inside him.
basic
She felt happiness well up as she heard the news.
basic
When he saw his childhood home, memories started to well up.
natural
Tears welled up in my eyes during the emotional movie.
natural
You could see pride welling up in his face when his daughter graduated.
natural