Meaning
to admire or respect someone, especially an older figure
Primary Function
expressing admiration or reverence
Communicative Purpose
indicating whose qualities or achievements inspire trust or emulation
Pattern
look up to
Core Structure
look up to
Função primária
expressing admiration or reverence
Propósito comunicativo
indicating whose qualities or achievements inspire trust or emulation
Situações de gatilho
when discussing heroes, mentors, family members, or respected figures in various contexts (e.g., personal stories, professional settings)
Contextos
informal conversations, everyday speech, interviews, mentorship discussions, storytelling
Padrão
look up to
Estrutura central
look up to
Slots de substituição
my older brother; great leaders; his father; teachers; role models
Colocados típicos
- really
- always
- someone to look up to
Substituições comuns
- admire
- respect
- idolize
Erros comuns
omitting ‘to’ changes meaning – e.g., *I look my grandfather* means search for him rather than admire him.
Similar / contraste
look down on (despise), idolize (over‑idealization).
Interferências
In languages that do not use the preposition ‘to’, learners may omit it, leading to confusion with searching or visiting instead of admiration.
Família do chunk
- none
Nuance
Respect is typically directed toward older figures; conveys trust in their judgment and values.
Efeito pragmático
Creates a warm, respectful tone indicating approval and aspiration.
Dica de memória
“Who do you look up to?”
Nota
The preposition 'to' is essential in this phrasal-prepositional verb; omitting it changes the meaning entirely.
Upgrade path
look up to the stars
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