Look Up To – Meaning and Examples

Have you ever admired a teacher, a family member, a leader, or even a celebrity because of their kindness, courage, or success? In English, we say you look up to them. This heartfelt phrasal verb means to admire and respect someone—usually because of their qualities, achievements, or how they treat others.

What Does “Look Up To” Mean?

“Look up to” means to admire and respect someone as a role model or inspiration. Think of it like gazing upward at someone you see as “higher” in wisdom, strength, or character—not physically, but in your mind and heart. The phrase isn’t about eyesight; it’s about emotional and moral admiration.

When to Use It

Use this phrase in casual or thoughtful conversations with friends, family, or coworkers when talking about people you admire—like parents, mentors, public figures, or even older siblings. It’s common in personal stories, interviews, or discussions about values. This phrasal verb is informal but warm and widely understood—great for everyday English.

Example Sentences

• I’ve always looked up to my older sister—she’s smart, kind, and never gives up.
• Many young athletes look up to Serena Williams for her talent and determination.
• He’s the kind of leader people look up to—honest, fair, and hardworking.
• When I was a kid, I looked up to my science teacher. She made learning exciting!

Mini Dialogue

Alex: “Who inspired you to become a writer?”

Jamie: “My grandmother. I’ve always looked up to her—she wrote poems her whole life, even during tough times.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t confuse “look up to” with “look up” (which means to search for information, like “I’ll look up the address”). Also, “look up to” is only used for people—not for objects, ideas, or abstract things.

❌ Don’t say: “I look up to this book.” (Books aren’t people!)
✅ Do say: “I look up to the author of this book.”

Final Note

Now you can use “look up to” to express admiration with sincerity and warmth! It’s a simple phrase that honors the people who inspire us. Keep using it—and remember, everyone needs someone to look up to… and someone who looks up to them.