'upgrade' originates from the combination of 'up' and 'grade', where 'up' meant 'to a higher position' and 'grade' referred to 'a level or step'.

'upgrade' evolved from the Middle English word 'up' and the Old French word 'grade', eventually becoming the modern English word 'upgrade'.

Initially, it meant 'to move to a higher level', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.