The phrasal verb 'live up to' is commonly used in both informal and formal contexts, though it appears more frequently in everyday, informal speech. Its usage often relates to meeting expectations or fulfilling standards, such as in expressions like "live up to expectations" or "live up to one's reputation." It is versatile across various contexts, from personal performance assessments to upholding values or standards set by society or tradition. This phrasal verb tends to highlight the pressure or challenge of fulfilling anticipated roles or promises and is frequently used in assessments of personal, professional, or institutional credibility and authenticity. Given its broad applicability, 'live up to' can often be found in discussions about performance, promise fulfillment, or reputation management.
B2
UpperIntermediate
1. To fulfill or satisfy a particular expectation or standard.
The book didn't quite live up to my expectations, though it was still enjoyable.
Many students feel pressure to live up to their parents' expectations.
The concert was fantastic, truly living up to all the hype.
He tried to live up to the reputation of his accomplished predecessors.
Despite the challenges, she managed to live up to everyone’s expectations.