Phrasal verbs "butt out" vs "stick out"

Differences between butt out and stick out

Butt out is an idiomatic expression that means to stop interfering or meddling in someone else's business, while stick out means to protrude or extend beyond a surface or area.

Meanings and Definitions: butt out vs stick out

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Butt out

  • 1Not be involved in other people's business.

    This is none of your business, so just BUTT OUT!

Stick out

  • 1Be easily noticed.

    He's so much better than the others that he STICKS OUT.

  • 2Extend part of your body.

    He STUCK his tongue OUT at me.

  • 3Continue doing something difficult or unpleasant.

    I STUCK it OUT even though I hated every minute of it.

Usage Examples: butt out, stick out in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

butt out

Example

I wish she would butt out of my personal life.

Example

He always butts out when he realizes he's not wanted in the conversation.

stick out

Example

Her bright red dress sticks out in the crowd.

Example

His unusual hairstyle sticks out among his friends.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Butt out

mind your own business

To not interfere or meddle in someone else's affairs.

Example

I wish he would mind his own business and stop asking me personal questions.

To not get involved or interfere in a situation.

Example

I told him to stay out of it and let us handle the problem ourselves.

To stop being aggressive or pushy in a situation.

Example

I had to tell him to back off and give me some space to think.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Stick out

To extend beyond or stick out from a surface or area.

Example

The nail was sticking out of the wall and needed to be hammered back in.

To extend or project outward from a surface or area.

Example

The cliff had a sharp edge that jutted out over the ocean below.

stand out

To be noticeable or conspicuous in a particular group or setting.

Example

Her bright red dress made her stand out in the sea of black suits at the business conference.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “butt”

Phrasal Verbs with “out”

Differences in butt out vs stick out: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: butt out or stick out?

In daily conversation, stick out is more common than butt out. This is because stick out is used to describe physical objects and situations, which are more common in everyday life. Butt out is a more specific phrase used in situations where someone is interfering with others' affairs. So, while both phrases are used, stick out is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of butt out and stick out

Butt out and stick 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 butt out and stick out

The tone of butt out and stick out can differ based on context. Butt out often carries a negative or annoyed tone when someone is interfering with others' affairs, while stick out typically has a neutral or descriptive tone, especially when referring to physical objects or situations.

butt out & stick out: Synonyms and Antonyms

Butt out

Synonyms

  • mind your own business
  • stay out
  • keep out
  • don't interfere
  • leave alone
  • stop meddling

Antonyms

Stick out

Synonyms

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