look up
/lʊk ʌp/
Meaning
'Look up' means to search for specific information in a reference source, such as a dictionary, database, textbook, or online search engine. It is a very common phrasal verb used by students and researchers when they need to find facts, definitions, or data. The tone is neutral and practical.
Examples
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If you don't know what the word means, look it up in the dictionary.
If you don't know what the word means, look it up in the dictionary.
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I need to look up the publication date of this article for my bibliography.
I need to look up the publication date of this article for my bibliography.
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She spent the afternoon looking up statistics for her sociology presentation.
She spent the afternoon looking up statistics for her sociology presentation.
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You can look up the library's opening hours on their official website.
You can look up the library's opening hours on their official website.
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He looked up several academic sources to support his thesis statement.
He looked up several academic sources to support his thesis statement.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I need to look up to the definition of this word.
✓ I need to look up the definition of this word.
'Look up' takes a direct object without the preposition 'to' when it means searching for information. 'Look up to' is a separate phrasal verb meaning to admire someone.
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✗ She looked the word up of the dictionary.
✓ She looked the word up in the dictionary.
Use the preposition 'in' (or 'on' for digital platforms) to specify where you searched for the information, not 'of'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Before you write the essay, you should ___ the facts to make sure they are correct.
💡 Search for information in a reliable source.
Show answer
look up
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I always ___ unfamiliar medical terms when reading research papers.
💡 Find the meaning of a word in a reference book or online.
Show answer
look up