look up
Type
Phrasal verb
Meaning
To search for and find information in a reference book, database, or online source.
I had to look up the definition of the medical term before finishing the report.
To improve or show signs of positive progress.
After months of dismal sales, our financial prospects are finally starting to look up.
To visit or make contact with someone when in their area.
Be sure to look up my brother whenever you visit Chicago next month.
How it's used
When this means “search for information”
Both orders mean the same thing.
- look up the address
- look the address up
it and them go in the middle: “look it up.” Not “look up it.”
She looked up the address before driving across town.
When this means “visit someone”
Both orders mean the same thing.
- look up an old friend
- look an old friend up
him goes in the middle: “look him up.” Not “look up him.”
He looked up an old friend during his stay in Denver.
Collocations
- look up a word
- look up an address
- look up information
- things are looking up
- look up an old friend
Idioms
look up to
to admire or respect someone
Young athletes often look up to Olympic champions for inspiration.