Phrasal Verb: Make up
English Meaning: Create stories or excuses; settle or resolve
Hindi Meaning: कहानी बनाना; सुलझाना
The phrasal verb “make up” has two main meanings:
- Create stories or excuses – To invent or fabricate something, usually a lie, excuse, or story.
- Settle or resolve – To reconcile or fix a relationship or problem after an argument or disagreement.
In Hindi:
- कहानी बनाना
- सुलझाना
What Does “Make Up” Mean?
- Create stories or excuses – To make up something that is not true, often to avoid trouble or explain something.
- Settle or resolve – To fix a disagreement, apologize, and restore a relationship.
How to Use “Make Up” in Sentences
Example 1: She made up an excuse for being late to the meeting.
Hindi: उसने बैठक में देर से पहुंचने के लिए एक बहाना बनाया।
Example 2: After the argument, they decided to make up and move on.
Hindi: बहस के बाद, उन्होंने सुलह करने और आगे बढ़ने का फैसला किया।
Example 3: Don’t make up stories to get out of trouble.
Hindi: परेशानी से बचने के लिए झूठी कहानियाँ मत बनाओ।
Example 4: We need to make up for lost time and finish the project quickly.
Hindi: हमें खोए हुए समय की भरपाई करनी होगी और परियोजना को जल्दी से पूरा करना होगा।
Example 5: The couple made up after a long discussion.
Hindi: एक लंबी चर्चा के बाद, कपल ने सुलझा लिया।
Common Mistakes When Using “Make Up”
❌ Incorrect: He made up with his mistakes.
✅ Correct: He made up for his mistakes. (Use “make up for” when talking about compensating for something.)
❌ Incorrect: They made up the fight.
✅ Correct: They made up after the fight. (You make up after a fight, not the fight itself.)
Questions for Test
- What does “make up” mean when used in the context of an argument?
- Translate: “She made up a reason for being late.”
- Fill in the blank: “They were angry for a while, but they decided to ________ in the end.”
- What is the difference between “make up” and “make out”?
- Can “make up” be used to describe the creation of a fictional story?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can “make up” be used for real situations?
Yes, it can be used for both real and imaginary situations. When used in the context of settling something, it refers to resolving real disagreements.
Is “make up” always positive?
No, it can have both positive and negative connotations. It can be positive when resolving conflicts, but it can be negative when referring to fabricating lies or excuses.
Can “make up” be used for both relationships and work situations?
Yes, it can be used for both. For example, resolving a personal conflict or making up an excuse for being late to work.