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Phrasal verbs "brush off" vs "wash off"

Differences between brush off and wash off

Brush off means to dismiss or ignore something or someone, while wash off means to remove dirt or stains from a surface using water.

Meanings and Definitions: brush off vs wash off

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Brush off

  • 1Ignore, pay little attention.

    The minister BRUSHED OFF the criticism.

Wash off

  • 1To remove something by washing.

    Don’t worry about the dirty marks. They’ll wash off easily.

  • 2To remove by washing.

    Wash all the soil off before you cook the potatoes.

Usage Examples: brush off, wash off in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

brush off

Example

She always brushes off my advice.

Example

He brushes off any negative comments about his work.

wash off

Example

I need to wash off the dirt from my shoes.

Example

She washes off her makeup before going to bed.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Brush off

ignore

To pay no attention to someone or something.

Example

She decided to ignore her ex-boyfriend's messages after their breakup.

dismiss

To reject or refuse to consider something or someone.

Example

The manager dismissed the employee's proposal without giving it much thought.

shrug off

To minimize or disregard the importance of something.

Example

He tried to shrug off his poor performance at the game and focus on the next one.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Wash off

rinse off

To clean or remove something by washing it with water.

Example

After playing in the mud, she had to rinse off her clothes and shoes before going inside.

scrub off

To clean or remove something by rubbing it with a brush or sponge.

Example

He had to scrub off the grease stains from his shirt before going to work.

wipe off

To clean or remove something by wiping it with a cloth or tissue.

Example

She had to wipe off the makeup from her face before going to bed.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “brush”

Phrasal Verbs with “wash”

Differences in brush off vs wash off: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: brush off or wash off?

In daily conversation, people use wash off more often than brush off. This is because wash off is used for more practical tasks such as cleaning, while brush off is used in more specific situations where someone is being ignored or dismissed. So, while both phrases are used, wash off is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of brush off and wash off

Brush off and wash off 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 brush off and wash off

The tone of brush off and wash off can differ based on context. Brush off often carries a negative or dismissive tone when related to ignoring or dismissing someone or something, while wash off typically has a practical and neutral tone, especially when referring to removing dirt or stains.

brush off & wash off: Synonyms and Antonyms

Brush off

Antonyms

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