upper
gb/ˈʌpɚ/ us/ˈʌpɚ/
A2
English
~ 1800
Senses
0 senses
adjective
A2
relation
1
Situated above another
In a higher place or part than something else.
Usage pattern:
the upper [part/section/floor]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'upper' with 'top'; 'upper' usually describes relative position within something, while 'top' can mean the very highest point.
Synonyms
higher (A general comparative form; 'upper' is more fixed in collocations.)
Antonyms
lower (Indicates a position beneath something else.)
Collocations
upper floor
|upper arm
|upper lip
|upper deck
Themes
spatial
|daily life
|space
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The upper shelves are used for storing rarely used items.
- He lives on the upper floor of the building.
- The painting was damaged in its upper right corner.
Learner examples
- My room is on the upper floor.
- The cat sleeps on the upper shelf.
- The upper part of the tree has green leaves.
Noun
slang
B2
entity
2
Stimulant drug
A drug that makes you feel more awake and full of energy.
Usage pattern:
to take an upper
Common mistake:
Some learners think 'upper' here means a person of higher social status; in slang it refers to a stimulant drug.
Synonyms
stimulant (More formal; used in medical or scientific contexts.)
Antonyms
downer (Slang for a drug that slows the body or causes relaxation.)
Collocations
take uppers
|illegal uppers
|prescription uppers
Themes
health
|slang
Examples
- He was caught with a bag of uppers in his car.
- Some students misuse prescription uppers to stay awake for exams.
- The police reported an increase in the sale of illegal uppers.
Learner examples
- He took an upper to study all night.
- Uppers can be dangerous for your heart.
- She does not use uppers or other drugs.
Noun
B1
entity
3
Top part of a shoe
The top part of a shoe that covers your foot.
Synonyms
shoe top (Less common and informal term for the upper part of a shoe.)
Collocations
leather upper
|fabric upper
|replace the upper
Themes
fashion
|clothing
|daily_life
Examples
- These boots have a leather upper for durability.
- The shoe's upper is torn and needs repair.
- Manufacturers often use synthetic materials for the upper.
Learner examples
- My shoes have a soft leather upper.
- The upper of this shoe is black.
- The upper is made of cloth.
Grammar
Dictionary form
upper
IPA
GB/ˈʌpɚ/
US/ˈʌpɚ/
Syllables & stress
up - per (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (up)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: upper
Noun
- Base: upper
- Plural: uppers
Word family
Expressions
upper hand
1/ˈʌpɚ hˈænd/
idiom
Advantage or control
To have power or control over someone or something.
Examples
- She gained the upper hand in the negotiations.
- After scoring twice, our team had the upper hand.
keep a stiff upper lip
1/kˈip ə stˈɪf ˈʌpɚ lˈɪp/
fixed phrase
Stay brave and unemotional
To not show your feelings when something bad happens.
Examples
- Even after losing his job, he kept a stiff upper lip.
- She tried to keep a stiff upper lip during the crisis.
keep a stiff upper lip
1/kˈip ə stˈɪf ˈʌpɚ lˈɪp/
fixed phrase
stay unemotional and brave
to stay calm and not complain
Examples
- She kept a stiff upper lip through the whole ordeal.
- He told the kids to keep a stiff upper lip and focus on what they could do next.
keep a stiff upper lip
2/kˈip ə stˈɪf ˈʌpɚ lˈɪp/
fixed phrase
Not show emotion under stress
To not show feelings when something bad happens.
Examples
- Even after losing his job, he kept a stiff upper lip.
- She kept a stiff upper lip during the crisis.
upper crust
1/ˈʌpɚ kɹˈʌst/
idiom
the most wealthy and powerful people
The richest and most powerful people in society.
Examples
- The charity dinner was full of the city’s upper crust.
- He married into the upper crust and now moves in very rich circles.
- That restaurant is popular with the upper crust of Hollywood.
upper crust
2/ˈʌpɚ kɹˈʌst/
idiom
informal
Highest social class
The richest and most powerful people in society.
Examples
- He married into the city's upper crust.
- The event was attended by members of the upper crust.