Upgrade
/ˈʌp.ɡreɪd/noun
To improve something or move it to a higher level or standard.
Did you know?“Upgrade” is a relatively recent English coinage, but its force comes from the ancient idea that higher = better, a pattern that also shapes words like grade, degree, and gradual.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʰredʰ-
“to walk, go, step”
Latin
Latin
gradus
“a step; a pace; a rank or degree”
Old French
Old French
grade
“a step, degree, rank”
Middle English
English
grade
“a stage, level, or rank”
19th Century
English
upgrade
“to raise to a higher grade or level”
Modern English
English
upgrade
“to improve something or move it to a higher standard”