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Phrasal verbs "burn off" vs "burn out"

Differences between burn off and burn out

Burn off usually means to use up energy or calories through physical activity, whereas burn out generally means to become exhausted or lose interest in something due to overwork or stress.

Meanings and Definitions: burn off vs burn out

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Burn off

  • 1Remove by burning or similar process.

    I BURN OFF a lot of calories in the gym.

Burn out

  • 1Lose enthusiasm and energy to continue in a demanding job.

    Jennie BURNT OUT after ten years working as a futures broker and went to live in the country.

Usage Examples: burn off, burn out in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

burn off

Example

I burn off a lot of calories when I go for a run.

Example

She burns off her stress by doing yoga.

burn out

Example

Many people burn out after working long hours for years.

Example

He burns out quickly when he takes on too many projects.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Burn off

work off

To use physical activity to burn calories or reduce stress.

Example

After a long day at work, she likes to work off her stress by going for a run.

sweat it out

To engage in physical activity to release tension or stress.

Example

He decided to sweat it out at the gym after a frustrating meeting with his boss.

exercise away

To use physical activity to reduce stress or anxiety.

Example

She knew that the best way to deal with her nervousness was to exercise it away by doing some yoga.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Burn out

lose steam

To gradually lose energy or enthusiasm for something.

Example

After working on the project for several weeks, he started to lose steam and needed a break.

hit a wall

To reach a point where progress or productivity is no longer possible due to exhaustion or stress.

Example

She had been working long hours for weeks and finally hit a wall where she couldn't focus anymore.

run out of gas

To become too tired or exhausted to continue doing something.

Example

After running a marathon, he ran out of gas and had to stop to rest for a while.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “burn”

Phrasal Verbs with “off”

Phrasal Verbs with “out”

Differences in burn off vs burn out: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: burn off or burn out?

In daily conversation, people use burn out more often than burn off. This is because burn out is a common experience that people can relate to, especially in the workplace. Burn off is not used as much in everyday conversation, but it's still a useful phrase to know for talking about exercise and fitness.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of burn off and burn out

Burn off and burn 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 burn off and burn out

The tone of burn off and burn out can differ based on context. Burn off often carries a positive and energetic tone when related to exercise or physical activity, while burn out typically has a negative and tired tone, especially when referring to work or personal life stress.

burn off & burn out: Synonyms and Antonyms

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