Differences between bow out and give out
Bow out means to gracefully withdraw from a situation or event, often due to a lack of interest or a desire to avoid conflict. Give out means to distribute or hand out something, or to stop working due to exhaustion or a lack of resources.
Meanings and Definitions: bow out vs give out
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Bow out
- 1To withdraw or retire from a situation or activity.
She has no plans to bow out of politics just yet.
Give out
- 1Distribute.
Somebody was GIVING leaflets OUT in front of the underground station.
- 2Stop working, through age or overuse.
I'd been having trouble with my laptop and it finally GAVE OUT at the weekend.
- 3Have no more of a supply.
The water GAVE OUT after a week in the desert.
- 4Make public.
They GAVE the names of the winners OUT last night.
- 5Emit.
The factory GIVES OUT a lot of fumes.
- 6End or finish somewhere.
The path GIVES OUT halfway around the lake.
- 7Make a sound or noise.
She GAVE OUT a moan.
- 8Read the wordings of a hymn or psalm aloud for congregational singing.
He GAVE OUT the psalm.
Usage Examples: bow out, give out in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
bow out
Example
He decided to bow out of the competition due to an injury.
Example
She bows out of the meeting early to catch her flight.
give out
Example
The teacher will give out the test papers at the start of the class.
Example
She gives out free samples at the mall.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Bow out
To remove oneself from a situation or event, often due to a lack of interest or a desire to avoid conflict.
Example
After realizing she was not qualified for the job, she decided to withdraw her application.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Give out
To come to an end or reach the end of a period of validity or usefulness.
Example
The warranty on my laptop expired last month, so I need to be careful with it now.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “bow”
Phrasal Verbs with “give”
Phrasal Verbs with “out”
Differences in bow out vs give out: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: bow out or give out?
In daily conversation, people use give out more often than bow out. This is because give out is used for more common tasks such as distributing items or describing the end of a machine's life. Bow out is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about leaving a situation or event in a polite manner. So, while both phrases are used, give out is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of bow out and give out
Bow out and give out are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of bow out and give out
The tone of bow out and give out can differ based on context. Bow out often carries a polite and respectful tone when related to leaving a situation or event, while give out typically has a practical and factual tone, especially when referring to distributing items or describing the end of a machine's life.
