let up: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal
Quick answer
What does “let up” mean?
to become less severe, intense, or strong.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to become less severe, intense, or strong; to stop or pause; to relent or relax.
Can refer to a pause or reduction in intensity of weather, pressure, conflict, effort, or noise.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly more colloquial/idiomatic in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of temporary relief or reduction.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “let up” in a Sentence
S (intransitive) - The rain finally let up.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “let up” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The downpour should let up by teatime.
- The manager never lets up on health and safety.
American English
- The snow finally let up around midnight.
- He didn't let up on his opponent during the debate.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard as an adverb.)
American English
- (Not standard as an adverb.)
adjective
British English
- (Not standard as an adjective.)
American English
- (Not standard as an adjective.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Informal: 'We can't let up on our marketing efforts until Q4.'
Academic
Rare; more likely in descriptions: 'The volcanic activity showed no signs of letting up.'
Everyday
Very common for weather, effort, or pain: 'Wait for the rain to let up before you go.'
Technical
Possible in meteorology or medicine: 'The gale-force winds are expected to let up by dawn.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “let up”
- Using it transitively: *'He let up the pressure.' (Correct: 'He let up ON the pressure.')
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily informal or neutral. In very formal writing, synonyms like 'subside' or 'abate' might be preferred.
Yes, it can describe a person reducing their effort or pressure on someone: 'My boss never lets up.'
'Let up' often implies a gradual reduction or a welcome pause, not necessarily a complete and permanent stop.
No, it is an intransitive, inseparable phrasal verb. You cannot insert an object. It's 'the rain let up', not *'let the rain up' or *'let up the rain'.
to become less severe, intense, or strong.
Let up: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlet ˈʌp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlɛt ˈʌp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The rain didn't let up all day.”
- “He never lets up on his criticism.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine LETTING UP on a tight rope you're pulling - you relax the pressure.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRESSURE/STRAIN IS A PHYSICAL FORCE THAT CAN BE RELEASED.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'let up' used CORRECTLY?