bring up
bring UP
/brɪŋ ʌp/
To mention a subject or start to talk about it.
Often used for introducing a topic that might be difficult or sensitive.
The story behind the word. From the idea of carrying something from a lower place (the back of one's mind) to a higher, visible place (the conversation).
Word relationships
- mention: 'Mention' is a single act, while 'bring up' often implies starting a whole discussion.
- drop: To 'drop' a subject is to stop talking about it immediately.
Commonly confused with
- rear: 'Bring up' can also mean to raise a child, which is synonymous with 'rear'.
Word family
- upbringing (noun): The treatment and instruction received by a child while growing up.
Collocations
- bring up a point
- bring up the past
- bring up a concern
Example sentences
- "I hate to bring up the subject of money, but we need to discuss the budget." A difficult conversation about finances.
- "The defense attorney tried to bring up the witness's past, but the judge overruled it." A legal context regarding evidence.
Memory hook
Think of bringing a hidden box 'UP' from the basement to show your friends. Lift the topic into the light.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'bringing' an object to a higher floor; this is the figurative use for conversation.
Fun facts
- In the 1800s, 'bring up' was commonly used in nautical contexts to mean 'to come to a stop'.
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