Lifting
/ˈlɪftɪŋ/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo raise or move something to a higher position or level.
/ˈlɪftɪŋ/
Raising something to a higher position
She was lifting the groceries into the car.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're helping your friend move. You're *lifting* the couch so they can get the door open!
👶 For kids: When you pick something up!
More Examples
The workers are lifting the crate onto the truck.
He tried lifting the heavy suitcase, but it was too heavy.
How It's Used
"Weightlifters spend a lot of time lifting heavy objects."
"The crane is lifting the beams into place."
To improve or remove a restriction or burden.
/ˈlɪftɪŋ/
Improving something; removing restrictions.
The company is lifting its hiring freeze.
💡 Simply: Imagine a rain cloud over a field. When the sun comes out, that's like *lifting* the rain cloud and things get better!
👶 For kids: Making something better or taking away something bad.
More Examples
The new policy is lifting the burden on small businesses.
She found that music was lifting her spirits.
How It's Used
"The government is lifting the trade restrictions."
"Lifting your spirits"
The action of raising something; the act of improving something.
/ˈlɪftɪŋ/
The act of raising or moving something upwards.
Weight lifting is great for building muscle.
💡 Simply: It’s the action of picking something up. Like when you're *lifting* a heavy box to move it.
👶 For kids: When you pick up something!
More Examples
The lifting of the ban was welcome news.
She practiced lifting heavy objects.
How It's Used
"Proper lifting technique is essential to avoid injuries."
"Lifting weights can build muscle strength."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
lift a finger
To do something, especially to help someone. Often used in the negative (won't lift a finger) to mean not doing anything.
"He wouldn't lift a finger to help with the chores."
From Middle English liften, liften, from Old English lyftan ('to lift, raise'), from Proto-Germanic *luftijaną ('to lift, raise'), related to *luftuz ('air, sky').
Historically, 'lifting' has been used since Old English to describe both physical actions of raising things and metaphorical improvements or changes.
Memory tip
Imagine you're lifting a heavy box; you are using effort to raise it up.
Word Origin
"to raise, to elevate"