Words / A2

MAYK-up/ˈmeɪk ʌp/

Make-up is coloured cream and powder for the face: put on make-up, waterproof make-up, make-up bag. Cosmetics is a more formal cousin. Make up (two words) as a verb means invent a story, or become friends again — different. Hyphenated as a noun. Do not write make-up when you mean make up a story, or wake-up.

Meaning

Coloured creams and powders people put on the face.

Examples

• “She put on make-up before the interview.”
• “The theatre shop sells stage make-up near the door.”
• “I forgot my make-up in the hotel bathroom.”

Good to know

put on make-up (hyphen noun). Verb extra: make up a story. Mix-up: make up (two words).

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