upending

/ʌpˈend/ (bre, ipa) · /ʌpˈend/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌəp-ˈend How to pronounce upend (audio)/ (ame, mw)

upending — verb

  • upendingpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • upendings3rd person singular
  • upendinging-ing form
  • upendingedpast simple

1. to turn or tip an object over so that its usual bottom side faces upward, or to

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to turn or tip an object over so that its usual bottom side faces upward, or to set it standing upright on one end instead of its normal base.

例句

Ife is upending the sack of potting soil over the garden bed, shaking it empty.

upending + sack / bag: emptying contents by turning over

Gita upended the empty wooden crate to use as a stool at the bus stop.

同義詞
  • overturn

    slightly more formal; often used for vehicles, boats, or legal decisions

  • invert

    more technical and precise; common in science, maths, and photography

  • tip over

    more casual and everyday; often suggests an accident rather than a deliberate action

反義詞
  • right

    to return something to its correct upright position

文法句型

upend + noun phrase

用法筆記

The direct object is almost always a physical container, piece of furniture, boat, or bag — something with a clear top and bottom. In everyday speech, 'tip over' or 'turn over' are more common choices.

常見錯誤

❌He upended the book onto the shelf.' (when he placed it normally).
✅He upended the book so its spine faced the ceiling.
💡'upending' always puts the normal bottom on top, not just any placement.
❌She upended the car into the parking space.
✅She reversed the car into the parking space.
💡'upending' is not a synonym for 'manoeuvring'; it means turning upside down or standing on end.