upgrade

Everyday

1. To upgrade something means to make it better, newer or more powerful, like upgrading a computer or a phone. tree →
2. An upgrade is a better or newer version, or the change that makes it better. tree →
3. To be upgraded on a plane or in a hotel means to be moved to a better seat or room. tree →
4. To upgrade a storm or warning means to raise its level. tree →

In the lessons

In computing lessons and games, you install upgrades and updates; in games, you upgrade your character or tools. In everyday life, families upgrade phones and kitchens; weather reports upgrade storms to hurricanes. Phrases: «upgrade to», «a free upgrade», «software upgrade».

Examples

• Dad upgraded the laptop so it runs faster. tree →
• In the game, you can upgrade your sword with gold coins. tree →
• We got a free upgrade to a bigger hotel room. tree →
• The storm was upgraded to a hurricane. tree →
• The school is upgrading the playground with new climbing frames. tree →
• The new phone is a big upgrade on my old one. tree →
• The upgrade cost £50. tree →

Note

Verb stress: up-GRADE; noun stress: UP-grade. Regular: upgraded. Opposite: downgrade. «Upgrade» (a better version) and «update» (latest changes or news) overlap but are not the same. In money problems, an upgrade usually adds to the cost: basic £100 + upgrade £30 = £130.