The phrasal verb "warm up" is primarily used in informal contexts, although it can appear in formal settings, particularly in sports or performing arts. This phrasal verb has two primary meanings: to increase in temperature and to prepare physically or mentally for an activity. In an informal conversation, "warm up" often refers to the act of warming something to a comfortable temperature, such as "Let the car warm up before driving." In formal or structured scenarios, like sports or music rehearsals, "warm up" indicates engaging in preliminary exercises or activities to get ready for performance, for instance, "The athletes warmed up before the match." The versatility of this phrasal verb allows it to be used in diverse contexts, often implying a preparatory step or transition phase.
A2
Elementary
1. To prepare oneself or a group by performing gentle exercises before more intense physical activity.
The team warms up before every practice to prevent injuries.
Make sure to warm up properly before you start running.
2. To heat something mildly, such as food or a room.
I need to warm up the soup before serving it.
The living room was cold, so we turned on the heater to warm it up.
