makeup

This is a specialist printing and publishing term. In modern contexts it has largely been replaced by 'lay out' or 'design'. The noun form 'makeup' (one word) is still used in publishing for the layout of a page.

Frequently used with percentages, fractions, and proportions. The subject names the parts, and the object names the whole. Distinguish from 'make up of' in sense 4 — here the parts actively combine to produce a total, whereas sense 4 describes what something is composed of.

This sense is most commonly used in the passive voice with 'of' ('be made up of'). The active form ('X makes up Y') overlaps with sense 3, but sense 4 describes the qualitative composition of something (what it consists of), not quantitative totals (percentages or proportions).

Always takes the preposition 'for' before the thing being compensated. Cannot be used without 'for'. The object of 'for' is the deficiency, loss, or harm that needs balancing, NOT the compensating thing itself. Covers a wide range of contexts from personal deficits (lost time, missed practice) to abstract compensation (emotional loss, financial offset). Distinguish from sense 6 where 'make up' (without 'for') means doing a missed activity.

Unlike sense 5, this sense does NOT take 'for'. 'Make up a test' means take the test you missed; 'make up for a test' (if it were possible) would mean compensate for something about the test. The object is the thing that was missed or postponed.

Almost always used in the fixed phrase 'make up one's mind'. The possessive adjective ('my', 'your', 'his', 'her', 'our', 'their', 'its') is required before 'mind'. Never used without it: ❌ 'I made up mind to go.'

The object can come between 'make' and 'up' (make the package up) or after 'up' (make up the package). When the object is a pronoun, it must go between: 'make it up', not 'make up it'.

This sense emphasises the transformation of the person's entire look (costume and makeup) to suit a specific role. Distinguish from sense 10 (APPLY MAKEUP), which refers only to applying cosmetics to someone's face without the theatrical context of a role.

This sense takes a person as the direct object and means applying cosmetics to that person's face. If the subject applies makeup to themselves, use 'put on makeup' or 'do one's makeup' instead: 'She put on makeup before going out.' Distinguish from sense 9 (DRESS FOR ROLE), which involves full costume and theatrical transformation.

Often carries a negative connotation of dishonesty when the invention is meant to deceive. For harmless, creative invention (songs, stories, games), the connotation is neutral or positive.

Most commonly used with 'bed' (make up the bed = to arrange the sheets, blankets, and pillows neatly after sleeping). With rooms, it often implies preparing the space for someone's use or for guests, not just general cleaning.

Frequently used with "with" to introduce the other person. The noun phrase "make-up" can also mean the act of reconciling, e.g. "They had a tearful make-up."

Often carries a negative connotation — the person being flattered may not realise the insincerity, but the speaker does. Common in British English more than American.

Distinguish from sense 14 (WIN FAVOUR): this sense involves romantic or sexual attraction, while sense 14 involves seeking a non-romantic advantage such as a promotion or special treatment.

Distinguish from sense 18 (EVERYDAY MAKEUP): this sense covers theatrical or costumed appearance changes for a performance, while sense 18 covers daily cosmetic use for personal appearance. Also distinct from sense 9 (PREPARE FOR ROLE) which is broader and includes non-makeup preparation.

Intransitive — the person doing the action is also the recipient. Distinguish from sense 10 (verb_b2) which is transitive: "to make up someone's face" means applying makeup TO another person. This sense is about applying makeup to oneself.

This sense is used especially for products that conceal scars, birthmarks, tattoos, or skin colour differences on the arms, legs, and torso.

Also refers to the full set of materials and products used, including wigs, false eyelashes, and artificial noses or scars.

Often appears with a descriptive adjective before it (e.g., genetic, chemical, social, physical, nutritional) that identifies what kind of composition is being discussed.

Distinguish from sense 4 (COMPOSITION): sense 4 describes the parts of a thing or system; this sense describes the inner nature of a person. Sense 5 can only be used with people or living beings.

A technical term used in publishing and graphic design. Can refer to the process of arranging elements on a page (typesetting/layout work) or the resulting visual arrangement. In modern contexts, 'page layout' is more common outside the printing industry.

Most commonly used as an attributive noun before a second noun (makeup water, makeup air, makeup capital). The uncountable form is typical; a countable form (a makeup) may appear in industry contexts when a specific batch or delivery is meant.

More common in American English than British English. The plural form 'makeups' is standard. A related phrasal verb is 'make up' in the sense 'to reschedule'. Distinguish from sense 8 (replacement substance) which does not refer to events.