Word of the Day: Perk
The word “perk” has a few different meanings, depending on whether it’s used as a noun or as a verb.
When used as a verb, “perk” means to make something or someone come alive or feel fresh. It’s almost always used with the preposition “up”: perk up.
- A cup of coffee will perk you up in the morning.
- Bob looks a little down today. What can we do to perk him up?
- A little water perked up Rhonda’s wilting houseplant.
- Water is perking inside the coffee maker. (In this case, “perk” is the activity and the sound from a coffee maker.)
When used as a noun, the word “perk” refers to a benefit or an incentive:
- A company car is a good perk.
- Big tech companies are known to give employees nice perks such as free lunches and nap rooms.
- Employees stay with this company because of all the perks they get.
Add a “y” to the end of “perk” to form the adjective, “perky.” A person who is perky is lively or active.
- We were greeted in the lobby by a perky receptionist.
- Mr. Yonkers’ perky assistant showed us around the corporate campus.
- Kittens are perky little animals.
Essential English Dictionary
Visit the Popular English Words Beginning with P page to see the list of all words starting with letter P. For seeing the HiCafe dictionary, visit the Popular English Words with Meaning page.
