look up to
Admire and respect someone
Literally: To direct your gaze upwards toward someone.
In 15 Seconds
- To admire someone and see them as a role model.
- Always used for people, never for objects or hobbies.
- Implies you want to imitate their good qualities.
Meaning
When you admire someone and want to be like them because of their character or success.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a parent
I've always looked up to my father for his honesty.
I have always admired my father for his honesty.
Job interview
I really look up to leaders who prioritize their team's well-being.
I really admire leaders who put their team first.
Texting a friend about a celebrity
I look up to her so much; she uses her fame for good.
I admire her a lot; she uses her fame for good.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the Western concept of the 'role model.' It became highly popularized in the mid-20th century as social mobility increased and people began choosing their own heroes based on merit rather than just family or royalty.
Don't forget the 'to'!
If you just say 'I look up,' you are literally looking at the ceiling. Always include 'to' when you mean admiration.
Look up vs. Look up to
Be careful! 'Look up' (without 'to') means to search for information in a book or on Google.
In 15 Seconds
- To admire someone and see them as a role model.
- Always used for people, never for objects or hobbies.
- Implies you want to imitate their good qualities.
What It Means
To look up to someone means you admire them deeply. It is not about height or physical size. It is about respect and inspiration. You see their actions and think, "I want to be like that."
How To Use It
This is a phrasal verb. You always need the to at the end. You use it like this: I look up to my sister. It works for people you know personally. It also works for famous people or historical figures. Just remember, the person you admire is the object of the sentence.
When To Use It
Use it when talking about role models. It is perfect for job interviews when asked about mentors. Use it with friends when discussing someone you respect. It is great for heartfelt speeches at weddings or birthdays. It shows you value someone's wisdom or courage.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for things you just like. You do not look up to a pizza or a movie. It is strictly for people or groups. Also, do not use it for people you fear. Respect and fear are different. If you just follow a boss because they are scary, you do not look up to them.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, we often associate "up" with goodness and "down" with badness. Think of "heaven" or "high standards." By looking "up," you are placing that person on a pedestal. It implies they have reached a level of character that you are still climbing toward.
Common Variations
There are not many ways to change the phrase itself. However, you can add adverbs for more power. You can say you really look up to someone. Or perhaps you have always looked up to them. If you want to say the opposite, you use look down on, but be careful—that is quite mean!
Usage Notes
This phrase is incredibly versatile and safe to use in almost any social or professional situation. Just ensure you use the full three-word structure: 'look' + 'up' + 'to'.
Don't forget the 'to'!
If you just say 'I look up,' you are literally looking at the ceiling. Always include 'to' when you mean admiration.
Look up vs. Look up to
Be careful! 'Look up' (without 'to') means to search for information in a book or on Google.
The Pedestal Effect
In English, if you look up to someone too much, people might say you 'put them on a pedestal,' meaning you think they are perfect.
Examples
6I've always looked up to my father for his honesty.
I have always admired my father for his honesty.
A classic use for a family role model.
I really look up to leaders who prioritize their team's well-being.
I really admire leaders who put their team first.
Shows your professional values to the interviewer.
I look up to her so much; she uses her fame for good.
I admire her a lot; she uses her fame for good.
Common way to talk about public figures.
I used to look up to you, until I saw you try to dance.
I used to admire you, until I saw your dancing.
A playful way to tease a friend about their skills.
Many students here look up to you as a guide.
Many students here see you as a role model.
Formal but warm appreciation.
My little brother looks up to me, so I try to act responsible.
My little brother admires me, so I try to be responsible.
Describes the pressure of being a role model.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct preposition to complete the phrase.
Young athletes often look ___ to professional players.
The full phrasal verb is 'look up to'. 'Look at' means to watch, and 'look for' means to search.
Complete the sentence with the correct form.
She has always ___ up to her grandmother.
We use the past participle 'looked' after 'has' to form the present perfect tense.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Look up to'
Talking to siblings or friends.
I look up to my big bro.
Everyday conversation and writing.
I look up to my teacher.
Speeches or professional settings.
He is a man many look up to.
When to use 'Look up to'
Family
Admiring an older cousin.
Career
Following a successful CEO.
Sports
Idolizing a star player.
History
Respecting a civil rights leader.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesYoung athletes often look ___ to professional players.
The full phrasal verb is 'look up to'. 'Look at' means to watch, and 'look for' means to search.
She has always ___ up to her grandmother.
We use the past participle 'looked' after 'has' to form the present perfect tense.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsUsually, we look up to people. However, you can look up to a group or an organization if you admire their collective ethics, like I look up to that charity.
No, it is deeper. You can like a comedian because they are funny, but you look up to them if you admire their hard work and journey.
The direct opposite is look down on, which means to think someone is inferior or less important than you.
Yes! You can say I looked up to my coach when I was a kid.
Yes, it is neutral. Saying I have always looked up to your work is a professional way to show respect.
Not necessarily. While we often look up to elders, you can look up to someone younger if they are very talented or brave.
They are very similar. Look up to feels a bit more personal and implies you want to follow their example.
It sounds a bit funny! Usually, it's for humans, but if your dog is incredibly brave, you might say it as a joke.
Put 'really' before 'look'. For example: I really look up to her.
No, it is a standard phrasal verb used by everyone from kids to presidents.
Related Phrases
Role model
A person looked to by others as an example to be imitated.
Hold in high regard
To have a lot of respect for someone.
Follow in someone's footsteps
To do the same thing as someone else did before you.
Idolize
To admire or love someone greatly or excessively.
