upgrade
UP-grayd
/ˈʌpɡreɪd/
An act of exchanging something for a higher-grade, more advanced, or better version; to raise to a higher standard.
In car rentals, an upgrade can be 'complimentary' (free, usually because the booked class is sold out) or 'paid' (offered as an upsell at the counter).
The story behind the word. The word combines the English preposition 'up' with 'grade', which comes from the Latin 'gradus' (meaning 'step' or 'degree'). Literally, it means to take a step upward on the ladder of quality.
Word relationships
- enhancement: Enhancement refers to improving the quality or features of something existing, while upgrade usually means replacing the entire item with a superior model.
- promotion: Promotion is used for raising a person's job rank, whereas upgrade is used for physical objects, services, or software.
- downgrade: To downgrade is to lower the status, value, or quality of something.
Commonly confused with
- update: An update brings something up to date (like software patches), while an upgrade replaces it with a completely superior version or tier.
Word family
- upgraded (adjective): Improved to a higher standard or grade.
- upgrading (noun): The process of raising something to a higher standard.
Collocations
- free upgrade
- complimentary upgrade
- upgrade to
- request an upgrade
Example sentences
- "Since they were out of compact cars, the rental agent gave us a free upgrade to a luxury SUV." A pleasant surprise at the rental counter.
- "The logistics manager decided to upgrade the delivery fleet with newer models featuring advanced safety systems." Improving a corporate vehicle fleet.
Memory hook
You go 'up' a 'grade' (like moving from 4th grade to 5th grade) to get a better car. Upgrade = Step up in quality.
When not to use
Do not use 'upgrade' if you are simply replacing a broken part with the exact same model; that is a 'replacement'.
Fun facts
- The term 'upgrade' was originally used in the 19th century by railway engineers to describe an upward slope or incline on a train track, before evolving into its modern technological and commercial meaning.
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