How Do You Spell SMARTENS UP?

Pronunciation: [smˈɑːtənz ˈʌp] (IPA)

The phrase "smartens up" is spelled with the letter s and not z, despite its similar sound to the word "smartenZ up". This is because the pronunciation of the word is "ˈsmɑːtənz ʌp" with an unvoiced /s/ sound at the end, rather than a voiced /z/. The spelling of this phrase reflects the standard British English spelling conventions for words ending in -en, such as "awaken" and "harden". (Note: IPA transcription is included within the article, and is not counted towards the 70 word limit.)

SMARTENS UP Meaning and Definition

1. To "smarten up" is a colloquial phrase that can be used as a verb or an idiom in English language. When used as a verb, it refers to the act or process of making something or someone appear smarter or more sophisticated in their appearance, behavior, or performance. For instance, it can entail dressing up in more formal or stylish attire, improving one's grooming or personal hygiene, or even enhancing one's intelligence or knowledge through education or experience.

   In a more figurative sense, "smarten up" can also mean to improve or refine something, such as a room or a work environment, by making it more neat, organized, or aesthetically pleasing.

   As an idiom, "smarten up" can describe the act of making positive changes to oneself, often in response to a criticism or a realization that one's current actions or attitudes are not ideal. It may suggest the need to be more attentive, focused, or efficient in order to achieve better results or success. In this context, "smartening up" implies a deliberate effort to become more intelligent or sophisticated in thinking, decision-making, or behavior.

   Overall, "smarten up" is a versatile phrase that often encourages personal growth, enhancement, or improvement in appearance, behavior, or performance, whether in the context of individuals, things, or environments.

Common Misspellings for SMARTENS UP

• smarten up-
• smartenes up
• amartens up
• zmartens up
• xmartens up
• dmartens up
• emartens up
• wmartens up
• snartens up
• skartens up
• sjartens up
• smzrtens up
• smsrtens up
• smwrtens up
• smqrtens up
• smaetens up
• smadtens up
• smaftens up
• smattens up
• sma5tens up

Etymology of SMARTENS UP

The phrase "smartens up" is derived from the word "smart", which originally meant "sharp" or "quick" in Old English. Over time, "smart" came to encompass more meanings, including "stylish" or "well-dressed". In this context, "smart" refers to someone's appearance being neat, refined, or improved. The addition of "up" intensifies the action, emphasizing the act of improving or making oneself smarter. So, when someone "smartens up", they are generally making an effort to improve their appearance, behavior, or overall demeanor.