Etymologically
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upgrade

This is the current revision of this entry, as edited by bogdan on 16 October 2026 at 10:38. This address is a permanent link to this version.
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Pronunciation

  • IPA: /ˈʌp.ɡɹeɪd/[1]

Etymology

It is formed from up and grade.[2][3][4]

Earliest recorded meaning

An upward slope: 1847 in Etymonline,[2] 1873 in MWU;[3] SOED marks it as originally American (late 19th century).[4] On the upgrade, improving, follows.[4]

Semantic evolution

The verb, to raise to a higher grade or rank, is from 1901–04,[3][2] and to raise the grade or status of a job from 1920.[5] To raise equipment or facilities to a higher standard is from 1935, to improve generally from 1959, and the intransitive use from 1950.[5][2] The noun, an improved version, as of software, is from 1980,[2] and a move to a better class of seat or room is also an upgrade.[6]

Timeline

  • 1847 – an upward slope.[2]
  • 1901 – to raise in grade.[3]
  • 1935 – to improve equipment.[5]
  • 1980 – an upgraded version.[2]

Modern meaning

Verb

  1. To raise to a higher standard, especially by adding or replacing parts.
  2. To move someone to a better seat, room or class, or to a higher rank.

Noun

  1. An act of upgrading, or an improved version of something, especially software.
  2. An upward slope.

Word family

  • upgradable
  • upgradability
  • upgrader

References

  1. ^ Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  3. ^ a b c d Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
  4. ^ a b c Shorter Oxford English Dictionary on Historical Principles (2002), 5th ed., ed. William R. Trumble and Angus Stevenson, Oxford: Oxford University Press
  5. ^ a b c Simpson, J. A.; Weiner, E. S. C., eds. (1989), The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Clarendon Press
  6. ^ Collins English Dictionary (2023), Glasgow: HarperCollins