up to — indicating a maximum amount, number, or level
Part of speech: PREPOSITION
Definition: indicating a maximum amount, number, or level
Pronunciation (IPA): /ʌp tuː/
Example Sentences
- My boss can eat up to 20 donuts in one meeting - no wonder our budget meetings are so sweet!
- It's up to the cat to decide whether to knock your coffee off the table today.
- The gym membership allows you to work out up to 24 hours a day, but please go home sometimes.
up to
PREPOSITION[/ʌp tuː/]
indicating a maximum amount, number, or level
indicating a maximum amount, number, or level
Up to five miles left - time to sup from this cup!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The phrase originated from Old English, combining 'upp' (upward) and 'to' (toward), which merged to express direction and limitation. Over time, it evolved from a literal directional phrase into an idiom denoting extent, degree, or a specified limit in various contexts.
Breakdown
up (upward direction) + to (toward, as far as) = expressing movement or progression toward a point, or indicating a maximum limit or extent of something.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My boss can eat up to 20 donuts in one meeting - no wonder our budget meetings are so sweet!”
“It's up to the cat to decide whether to knock your coffee off the table today.”
“The gym membership allows you to work out up to 24 hours a day, but please go home sometimes.”
“Students can borrow up to 5 books from the library.”
📚Related Words
Antonyms
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