Pronunciation: [ɹˈiːt͡ʃ ˈʌp] (IPA) 
"Reach up" is spelled with the letters R-E-A-C-H followed by U-P. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word would be written as /riːtʃ ʌp/. The "r" sound is pronounced with the tongue curled slightly upwards, while the "ee" sound is pronounced with the lips spread wide. The "tʃ" sound is like "ch" in "church," and the "ʌ" sound is a short, neutral vowel sound. The "p" sound is pronounced with a brief burst of air from the lips.
Reach up is a phrasal verb that refers to the action of extending one's arm or body upwards in order to touch, grasp, or access something that is positioned at a higher level. It is commonly used to describe a physical movement, often involving the upper body or the hands, but can also encompass the idea of making an effort to achieve a goal or surpass an expected level.
When used in a literal sense, reach up implies a vertical motion where one deliberately stretches or elongates their body to reach a higher point. This may involve reaching an object on a high shelf, retrieving something overhead, or trying to touch an elevated surface. In these instances, reaching up typically requires some degree of effort, flexibility, or balance.
In a figurative sense, reaching up can describe the act of making an endeavor to attain a higher level or surpass a certain standard. It conveys determination, aspiration, and effort towards achieving a particular goal or improving oneself. This can apply to various aspects of life, such as career advancement, personal development, academic achievements, or even social or emotional growth.
Overall, reach up encompasses the physical action of extending oneself upwards to access something higher, as well as the metaphorical notion of striving for improvement, success, or reaching one's fullest potential.
The etymology of the word "reach up" can be understood by looking at the origins of each individual word:
1. Reach: The word "reach" dates back to Middle English and can be traced to the Old Norse word "reka", which means "to extend". It is also related to the Old English word "raeccan" and the Gothic word "raikjan", both of which carry similar meanings of "to stretch out" or "to extend oneself". The term "reach" evolved over time and has been used to describe the act of stretching out or extending one's arm, hand, or body to touch or grasp something that is physically or metaphorically distant.
2. Up: The word "up" has rather ancient origins. It can be traced back to the Old English word "upp", which is related to the Old Norse word "uppi".
