Mastering the Phrasal Verb “Look Up”: Meanings, Uses, and Examples

Basic meanings of “look up”

Search for information – Used when retrieving data from a dictionary, phone‑book, database or the Internet. Example: I need to look up the definition of this word. or You can look up the address online. Raise one’s gaze – Refers to directing the eyes upward. Example: He looked up at the sky and saw a bird. or

Look up at the stars on a clear night.

Extended meanings

Improvement – Describes a situation becoming more positive. Example: Things are looking up after the new manager arrived. or The economy is starting to look up. Visit someone – In informal speech it can mean to go see or reconnect with a person. Example: I’ll look up my old friends when I visit New York. or

He promised to look me up if he ever visits this city.

Common collocations

look up to – Means to admire or respect someone. Example: She looks up to her parents for guidance. look up at – Indicates directing the gaze upward. Example:

The child looked up at the tall buildings.

Summary

The phrasal verb look up is polysemous; its interpretation depends on context. It can denote searching for information, raising one’s gaze, indicating that conditions are improving, or expressing the act of visiting someone. Mastery of these distinct senses and their typical collocations (e.g., “look up to”, “look up at”) enables more precise and natural English communication.