uppers
uppers — adjective
- upperspositive
- more upperscomparative
- most upperssuperlative
1. describing the one of two things that sits above the other, or the area that for
describing the one of two things that sits above the other, or the area that forms the top half of a structure with two parts
Quinn keeps his keys on the upper shelf so the children cannot reach them.
upper + noun for position above
The upper floor of the library has a quiet reading room and study desks.
Andrés bit his upper lip — the area just below his nose — when he heard the surprising news.
Tendai hurt his upper arm — between his shoulder and elbow — while lifting heavy boxes at work.
- lower
direct opposite in position or rank
常見錯誤
uppers — noun
- upperssingular
- uppersesplural
1. the material covering the top and sides of a footwear item, which is stitched ar
the material covering the top and sides of a footwear item, which is stitched around the foot above the sole and heel
The leather uppers of Luca's boots were stained after the long hike.
leather uppers — common material collocation
Sahil took the worn shoes to a repair shop where the cobbler replaced the uppers.
These running shoes have uppers made of breathable mesh fabric.
Aylin cleaned the dirt off the canvas uppers with a soft brush and warm water.
用法筆記
Typically used in the plural form 'uppers' when referring to a single pair of shoes. The singular 'upper' is also possible when discussing one shoe or the construction of a shoe.
2. a drug, such as amphetamine, that makes the person taking it feel more energetic
a drug, such as amphetamine, that makes the person taking it feel more energetic, alert, and excited
The doctor warned Ingrid that taking uppers without a prescription could damage her heart.
warned that + taking uppers — warning context
Some students turn to uppers to stay awake all night before exams.
Tamar read an article about how uppers affect the brain and nervous system.
The documentary explained why using uppers regularly can lead to addiction.
- downer
slang for a sedative or depressant drug, the opposite effect of uppers
用法筆記
This is slang — used in informal conversation rather than in medical or formal writing. In professional contexts, terms like 'stimulant' or 'central nervous system stimulant' are preferred. 'Uppers' is often contrasted with 'downers' (sedatives).
常見錯誤
3. one of two stacked beds in a train carriage or ship cabin, specifically the bed
one of two stacked beds in a train carriage or ship cabin, specifically the bed that is above the other
Niran climbed carefully into the upper berth because the ladder felt a little unsteady.
climb into the upper berth — entry action with ladder
Noor paid extra for a lower berth so she would not have to climb into the upper berth at night.
A train attendant showed passengers how to fold the upper berth flat against the wall during the day.
Maja chose an upper berth on the overnight train so she could read quietly before sleeping.
- upper berth
the fuller, more formal term used on tickets and in schedules
- top bunk
more general term, also used for regular bunk beds at home or in dorms
- lower berth
the bottom bed in a paired arrangement
- lower
shorter form for the bottom bed
用法筆記
Although 'uppers' can appear as a plural noun referring to upper berths in general ('the uppers on this train are quite narrow'), it is far more natural to refer to a specific berth as 'the upper berth' or 'the top bunk'. This sense is most common in the context of sleeper trains and ship cabins.