1. Elevator: This is the most common meaning and is used interchangeably with "elevator" in American English.
2. To raise or pick up something: This meaning is also similar to American English usage, but it can be used more broadly. For example, "He lifted the box" or "The wind lifted the kite."
3. To give someone a ride in a vehicle: This is a very British usage and means to pick someone up and transport them in your car.
4. To steal something: This meaning is less common than the other two and is more informal. For example, "Someone lifted my wallet."
5. To improve or enhance something: This meaning is less common and often used in a metaphorical sense. For example, "The new CEO lifted the morale of the employees."
Context is Key: The meaning of "lift" in British English will depend on the context of the sentence.
For example,
* "Can you give me a lift to the station?" (Meaning: can you give me a ride)
* "The builders used a crane to lift the heavy beams." (Meaning: to raise something)
* "The new policy lifted the burden on small businesses." (Meaning: to improve something)