Makeup-Make-Up | Commonly Confused Words
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Makeup vs. Make up

Makeup

/ˈmeɪkʌp/
Cosmetics applied to the face to enhance or alter appearance

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Antonyms:

This word has no antonyms

Make up

/meɪk ʌp/
The phrasal verb 'make up' is predominantly used in informal contexts, although it can also appear in more formal settings, depending on the specific meaning being employed. 'Make up' is highly versatile with multiple definitions, including creating something ("Let's make up a story"), reconciling after a disagreement ("They decided to make up after the argument"), forming a part of something ("Women make up 50% of the population"), and inventing something not true ("She made up an excuse for being late"). Due to its varied meanings, 'make up' is commonly seen across different contexts, from casual conversations to written texts. It's crucial for understanding context to discern the correct meaning when this phrasal verb is used, which adds a layer of complexity to its interpretation and use.

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Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Makeup refers to cosmetics and is often used as a single, compound word.
  • Make up is a two-word verb phrase meaning to create, assemble or reconcile.
  • Think of makeup as a noun, something you apply, whereas make up is an action or process.
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