Definition of keep up

keep upphrasal verb

theo kịp

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The origin of the phrase "keep up" can be traced back to Middle English, around the 14th century. At that time, the phrase was spelled "kype upe" and was used to mean "raise the cry" or "call out a warning." The phrase comes from the Old English words "cypan" (meaning to cry or shout) and "uppan" (meaning up or high). These words were combined to form "kype upe," which became "kype upe" in Middle English. Over time, the meaning of "keep up" evolved. During the 15th and 16th centuries, it came to mean "continue at the same pace" or "not fall behind." This interpretation probably came from the notion of maintaining a position or following closely behind someone. The phrase has appeared in literature over the centuries, including in Shakespeare's plays. In "As You Like It," for example, Jaques uses the phrase when addressing the travellers: "Now, friends, what cheer? Keep up your spirits, let's go to work: your hands, your hands!" Today, "keep up" is commonly used to encourage someone to continue with a task or remain at a certain level of performance. It is also used in sports to encourage players to maintain their energy and focus. In summary, the origin of "keep up" can be traced back to the Middle English phrase "kype upe," which evolved over time to mean "continue at the same pace" or "not fall behind." This meaning has persisted to the present day, and the phrase is still commonly used in everyday language.

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to make something stay at a high level

để làm cho cái gì đó ở mức cao

Example:
  • The high cost of raw materials is keeping prices up.

    Chi phí nguyên liệu thô cao đang khiến giá cả tăng cao.

to continue something at the same, usually high, level

tiếp tục một cái gì đó ở cùng một mức độ, thường là cao

Example:
  • The enemy kept up the bombardment day and night.

    Kẻ thù tiếp tục bắn phá cả ngày lẫn đêm.

  • We're having difficulty keeping up our mortgage payments.

    Chúng tôi đang gặp khó khăn trong việc thanh toán tiền thế chấp.

  • Well done! Keep up the good work/Keep it up!

    Làm tốt lắm! Tiếp tục làm tốt nhé/Tiếp tục cố gắng nhé!

to make something remain at a high level

làm cho cái gì đó vẫn ở mức cao

Example:
  • They sang songs to keep their spirits up.

    Họ hát để nâng cao tinh thần.

to continue to use or practise something

tiếp tục sử dụng hoặc thực hành cái gì đó

Example:
  • to keep up old traditions

    để duy trì các truyền thống cũ

  • Do you still keep up your Spanish?

    Bạn vẫn còn duy trì tiếng Tây Ban Nha chứ?

to take care of a house, garden, etc. so that it stays in good condition

chăm sóc nhà cửa, vườn tược, v.v. để chúng luôn trong tình trạng tốt

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