Pronunciation: [wˈɛlz ˈʌp] (IPA) 
The phrase "wells up" is spelled as /wɛlz ʌp/. The first word, "wells," is pronounced with a short "e" sound, represented by the IPA symbol /ɛ/. The "ll" is pronounced as a double "l," making the /wɛlz/ sound. The second word, "up," is pronounced with an "uh" sound, represented by the IPA symbol /ʌ/. "Wells up" is commonly used to describe a feeling or emotion that is rising within someone, much like water welling up from a source.
Wells up is a phrasal verb that refers to the act of a liquid or emotion gradually rising or building up to the surface. It is often used to describe the emergence or overflow of tears, as well as other fluids like blood or water. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe the intense buildup of feelings or emotions within an individual.
When tears well up, it implies that a person is experiencing deep emotions, such as sadness, joy, or even anger. The tears fill the eyes and are on the verge of spilling over, which is often evidenced by a glistening in the eyes. This emotional response can occur due to various reasons, such as grief, empathy, relief, or overwhelming happiness.
Similarly, welling up can describe the gradual and rising flow of other fluids like blood from a wound or water from an underground source. It conveys the idea that these substances are accumulating and preparing to overflow or reach the surface.
In a figurative sense, when emotions well up, it suggests an intense and almost uncontrollable surge of feelings within an individual. These emotions are often deeply rooted and can manifest unexpectedly, sometimes causing the person experiencing them to become overwhelmed or uncharacteristically expressive.
Overall, the term "wells up" depicts the gradual rise, buildup, or overflow of tears, other fluids, or intense emotions.
The phrase "wells up" is a combination of two words: "well" and "up".
The word "well" in this context means to rise or surge, usually in reference to a liquid or emotion. It has Old English origins, derived from the Proto-Germanic word "weljaną" meaning "to surge, gush forth". Over time, "well" has maintained its original meaning and is commonly used to describe the act of liquid rising or coming forth.
The word "up" is a preposition that indicates movement or location towards a higher point or position.
When combined, "well up" refers to the act of rising or surging upward. It is often used to describe emotions, like when tears well up in one's eyes or when a feeling of sadness wells up inside.
