Definition of the word keep up

The origin of the phrase "keep up" can be traced back to Middle English, around the 14th century. At that time, the phrase was spelled "kype upe" and was used to mean "raise the cry" or "call out a warning." The phrase comes from the Old English words "cypan" (meaning to cry or shout) and "uppan" (meaning up or high). These words were combined to form "kype upe," which became "kype upe" in Middle English. Over time, the meaning of "keep up" evolved. During the 15th and 16th centuries, it came to mean "continue at the same pace" or "not fall behind." This interpretation probably came from the notion of maintaining a position or following closely behind someone. The phrase has appeared in literature over the centuries, including in Shakespeare's plays. In "As You Like It," for example, Jaques uses the phrase when addressing the travellers: "Now, friends, what cheer? Keep up your spirits, let's go to work: your hands, your hands!" Today, "keep up" is commonly used to encourage someone to continue with a task or remain at a certain level of performance. It is also used in sports to encourage players to maintain their energy and focus. In summary, the origin of "keep up" can be traced back to the Middle English phrase "kype upe," which evolved over time to mean "continue at the same pace" or "not fall behind." This meaning has persisted to the present day, and the phrase is still commonly used in everyday language.