plump up

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Word: Plump Up

Part of Speech: Verb

Meaning: To make something fuller, rounder, or softer, often by shaking or fluffing it. This is commonly used for items like pillows, cushions, or even certain foods.

Usage Instructions:

• Context: You can use "plump up" when talking about pillows, cushions, or even foods like cakes or whipped cream that you want to make look fuller or more appealing.
• Form: It’s used in the present tense (plump up), past tense (plumped up), and continuous form (plumping up).

Examples:

1. Everyday Use: "I need to plump up my pillows before the guests arrive."
2. Cooking Context: "Make sure to plump up the whipped cream before serving the dessert."

Advanced Usage:

• In a more figurative sense, "plump up" can also mean to enhance or improve something to make it more attractive or appealing. For example, "The designer plumped up the website's visuals to attract more visitors."

Word Variants:

• Plumped Up: Past tense. Example: "She plumped up the cushions before the meeting."
• Plumping Up: Present continuous. Example: "He is plumping up the pillows for the sofa."

Different Meanings:

• While "plump up" primarily refers to making something fuller, it can also mean to add volume or substance to something in a non-physical way, such as enhancing an argument or a piece of writing.

Synonyms:

• Fluff up
• Stuff
• Fill out
• Enhance

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Fluff Up: Similar to "plump up," but often used specifically for pillows or bedding.
• Fill Out: Can mean to make something more complete or to gain weight.

Summary:

"Plump up" is a versatile verb that means to make something fuller or rounder. It is commonly used with pillows and food, but can also refer to enhancing anything to make it more appealing.

Academic

Verb

1. make fuller by shaking
   • fluff up the pillows

Synonyms

• fluff up
• shake up