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to make up for
01
to do something in order to replace something lost or fix something damaged
Transitive: to make up for a fault or shortcoming
Informal
Examples
He bought her flowers to make up for forgetting her birthday.
02
to cover for someone's absence, mistakes, or weaknesses by providing support, alternatives, or doing extra
Transitive: to make up for sb
Grammatical Information
Composition
phrasal
Action verb
Regular
Inseparable
Particle
up for
Base verb
make
Present tense
make up for
3rd person singular
makes up for
Present participle
making up for
Past simple
made up for
Past participle
made up for
Examples
The backup quarterback had to make up for the injured starter and lead the team to victory.
03
to compensate for a weakness, lack, or disadvantage by having another positive quality
Examples
The restaurant makes up for its high prices with excellent service.
