touch up: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “touch up” mean?
To make small improvements or corrections to something, often cosmetic or superficial ones.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make small improvements or corrections to something, often cosmetic or superficial ones.
The phrase can also refer to refreshing or restoring the appearance of something, or in a specific informal/vulgar context, to inappropriately touch someone.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Core meaning is identical. The informal/vulgar meaning is equally recognised but potentially more euphemistic in British English.
Connotations
In the core meaning, neutral to slightly informal. The alternative meaning carries strong negative connotations.
Frequency
Slightly more common in British English for the core meaning (e.g., 'touch up the paint'). In American English, terms like 'touch up' or 'retouch' (for photos) are both common.
Grammar
How to Use “touch up” in a Sentence
transitive (touch [sth] up)transitive separable (touch up [sth])Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “touch up” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I'll just touch up the gloss on the front door before the guests arrive.
- The photographer can touch up the portrait to remove that glare.
American English
- He touched up the report with some last-minute data.
- I need to touch up my makeup before the video call.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to making minor improvements to documents, presentations, or reports.
Academic
Used for making small corrections or improvements to a paper or thesis draft.
Everyday
Commonly used for home repairs (paint, walls), grooming, or photo editing.
Technical
Used in graphic design, photography, and software UI/UX for minor adjustments.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “touch up”
- Using it without an object (*'I need to touch up').
- Confusing it with 'touch upon' (to briefly mention a topic).
- Overusing for major repairs.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral to informal. In very formal writing, synonyms like 'amend', 'correct', or 'retouch' might be preferred.
Yes, as a transitive phrasal verb, it requires an object (e.g., touch up the paint, touch it up).
'Touch up' implies minor, often cosmetic improvements. 'Fix up' suggests more substantive repairs or renovations.
Yes, but with extreme caution. The primary meaning can apply (e.g., 'touch up one's makeup'). However, the informal/vulgar meaning refers to inappropriate physical contact, so context must be very clear to avoid misunderstanding.
To make small improvements or corrections to something, often cosmetic or superficial ones.
Touch up: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtʌtʃ ˈʌp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtʌtʃ ˈʌp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A lick and a promise (related, meaning a quick, superficial clean)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'touching up' a photo on your phone: just a few light touches (taps) to make it look better.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPROVEMENT IS A PHYSICAL TOUCH (a light, precise action that alters the surface).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'touch up' LEAST appropriate?