Definition of let up

let upphrasal verb

buông bỏ

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The expression "let up" is a phrasal verb that originated in Middle English. It is formed by combining the particle "let" with the verb "up," which initially meant "rise" or "ascend." The verb "let" itself comes from the Old English "ltegan," meaning "release" or "allow." In the Middle English period, this word began to be used more frequently as a standalone particle, often preceding another verb to create a phrasal verb, such as "let go" or "let out." In the context of "let up," the meaning of "up" evolved from referring to movement in a vertical direction to a figurative sense of intensity or force, meaning "lessen" or "abate." So, the expression "let up" eventually came to mean "to decrease or lessen in intensity, violent force or pressure." Overall, the history of "let up" shows how language evolves over time, as new meanings arise and existing words take on new functions.

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to become less strong

trở nên kém mạnh mẽ hơn

Example:
  • The pain finally let up.

    Cơn đau cuối cùng cũng dịu đi.

to make less effort

để làm ít nỗ lực hơn

Example:
  • We mustn't let up now.

    Chúng ta không được phép bỏ cuộc lúc này.