To try to find information about something, usually in a book, online, or in a list.
If you don't know the word, you can look it up in the dictionary.
A: What's the capital of Canada? B: I'm not sure, let me look it up.
During my studies, I often have to look up new terms online to understand my textbooks better.
Common mistake
✗Let me look up it online.
✓Let me look it up online.
With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'look it up'.
Tell it apart
I looked up the word in a dictionary.
searched for information
I looked up at the night sky.
raised my eyes
Use 'look up' when you want to find a specific fact or meaning, especially in dictionaries, books, or online.'Look for' means to search for something you have lost or want to find, but 'look up' means to search for information.
To get better or become more successful, especially after a difficult time.
After a few tough months, things are finally looking up for her.
A: How's your new job going? B: Much better, actually. Everything's looking up now.
Although the economy was struggling last year, experts say things are starting to look up.
Common mistake
✗My situation is looking up better.
✓My situation is looking up.
'Look up' already means 'improving' — don't add 'better'. Usually intransitive: 'things are looking up'.
Tell it apart
Business is looking up after a slow year.
improving
I looked up the word in a dictionary.
searched for information
This sense is often used in the continuous form or with 'things' as the subject.This meaning is different from searching for information; here, it means a situation is getting better.
To respect or admire someone, often because you think they are important, talented, or have good qualities.
Many young athletes look up to Serena Williams as a source of inspiration.
A: Who did you look up to when you were growing up? B: My older brother—I always admired how determined he was.
In my opinion, children benefit greatly when they have someone to look up to, as it encourages them to develop positive values and ambitions.
Common mistake
✗I really look up my grandfather.
✓I really look up to my grandfather.
To admire a person you must say 'look up TO'. Bare 'look up' means search for info or raise your eyes.
Tell it apart
Kids look up to their heroes.
admire them
I'll look up the address.
search for the info
'Look up to someone' is used when you admire or respect a person, often as a role model. It is neutral and common in both spoken and written English.This sense is a figurative use and always requires 'to' (look up to someone), unlike the B1 sense 'look up' (search for information), which does not take 'to'. It is also different from the B2 sense (improve), which never refers to people.