lift
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for lift, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To raise something to a higher position.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use lift
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old Norse lypta ("to raise into the air"), related to the Germanic root for "air" — a "lift" was originally a raising into the sky.
Full origin of lift →Frequently asked questions
What does “lift” mean?
The word “lift” means to raise something to a higher position. In plain terms, to raise something up, or (as a noun) a ride, an elevator, or a boost in mood.
How do you pronounce “lift”?
“Lift” is pronounced lihft (/lɪft/ in IPA).
How do you use “lift” in a sentence?
Here is “lift” used in a sentence: “He lifted the box onto the top shelf.”
What part of speech is “lift”?
Depending on how it is used, “lift” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “lift” come from?
The word “lift” comes from Old Norse. From Old Norse lypta ("to raise into the air"), related to the Germanic root for "air" — a "lift" was originally a raising into the sky.
Is “lift” a common word?
“Lift” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “lift” have?
“Lift” has 6 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to raise something to a higher position.
What is the difference between 'lift' and 'raise'?
The two are close, and often interchangeable. 'Lift' tends to stress physically taking something up off a surface, like lift a box or lift a child. 'Raise' is broader and more abstract, working where 'lift' would sound odd: raise prices, raise a question, raise your hand. For sheer physical effort, 'lift' feels more natural.
Can 'lift' mean to cancel or remove?
Yes. To 'lift' a ban, a restriction, a curfew, or a sanction means to remove it, as if raising a weight off people. This figurative sense is very common in news and law. A related emotional use is 'lift someone's spirits,' meaning to make them feel lighter and more cheerful.
What is the opposite of 'lift'?
The main opposites are 'lower' and 'drop.' To lower something is to move it carefully to a lower position, the controlled reverse of lifting. To 'drop' it is to let it fall. 'Put down' and 'set down' also work when you simply place a lifted object back onto a surface.