# upgrade

Pronunciation: say "UP-grayd" /ˈʌpˌɡɹeɪd/

## Noun

1. An improved component, version, or piece of equipment brought in to supersede what was there before, typically in technology.
   - Simple: A better part or item that replaces an older one, often in computers or other technology.
   - _The studio installed an upgrade to its sound system before the tour._
   - _Customers who pre-ordered received a free hardware upgrade._
4. A betterment in quality, level, or condition; an improvement.
   - Simple: A change or addition that makes something better than before.
   - _Moving to the corner office felt like an upgrade._
   - _The renovation was a clear upgrade over the building's original layout._
8. A stretch of road or track that slopes upward.
   - Simple: A part of a road or path that goes uphill.
   - _The train lost speed on the upgrade leading to the pass._
   - _A long upgrade tested the engine's power._

## Verb

Pronunciation: say "up-GRAYD" /əpˈɡɹeɪd/

2. To improve something, usually a piece of technology, by completely replacing one or more of its components.
   - Simple: To make a piece of technology better, usually by putting in new parts.
   - _The company upgraded its network by replacing every router._
   - _We plan to upgrade the lab equipment next quarter._
3. To replace something with a better version or alternative.
   - Simple: To get rid of something and put a better one in its place.
   - _She upgraded her economy seat to business class._
   - _Frequent travelers can upgrade their rooms for a small fee._
5. To replace a program with a later version of itself: one with a higher version number or a more recent product name.
   - Simple: To change a program to a newer version of itself.
   - _Most users upgraded the operating system within a week of release._
   - _The software can upgrade in the background without interrupting your work._
6. To rise to a better condition, rank, or status.
   - Simple: To move up to a better condition or position.
   - _The neighborhood upgraded steadily as new businesses moved in._
   - _Players who win three rounds upgrade to the championship bracket._
7. To improve the equipment, furnishings, or services provided to a place or its customers.
   - Simple: To make a place's equipment, furniture, or service better.
   - _The airline upgraded its lounges with better seating and faster wifi._
   - _Management decided to upgrade the gym with new machines._

## Adverb

9. In an upward direction along a slope or grade.
   - Simple: In the direction up a slope or hill.
   - _The locomotive labored upgrade against the steep gradient._
   - _Water cannot flow upgrade without a pump._

## Origin

Formed from the prefix up- combined with grade.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/upgrade (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).