Differences between come out and make out
Come out means to exit or emerge from a place, while make out means to see, hear, or understand something with difficulty.
Meanings and Definitions: come out vs make out
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Come out
- 1A secret is revealed.
The details of the scandal CAME OUT in the press and she had to resign.
- 2Be published or otherwise available to the public.
The band's new CD is COMING OUT in September.
- 3Disappear when washed.
The red wine I spilt just will not COME OUT of the carpet no matter what I try to clean it with.
- 4Let people know that you are lesbian or gay.
She CAME OUT at university and has been living with her partner, Jane, for the last couple of years.
- 5When the sun appears.
It started cloudy, but then the sun CAME OUT and we all went to the park.
Make out
- 1Make a cheque payable to somebody.
Please MAKE the cheque OUT to RGM Productions Ltd.
- 2Pretend.
He MADE OUT that he was ill so that he didn't have to go to school.
- 3Progress.
How are your children MAKING OUT at the new school?
- 4Kiss and pet.
They were MAKING OUT at the party last night.
- 5Discern a small detail.
I can just MAKE OUT the outline of a flying saucer in this photo.
- 6Be able to see or hear something.
Can you MAKE OUT what she's saying?
- 7Understand someone's nature or personality.
He's strange; I can't MAKE him OUT.
Usage Examples: come out, make out in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
come out
Example
The truth about the scandal finally came out.
Example
The new movie comes out next week.
make out
Example
I can barely make out the words on the sign.
Example
She makes out the faint sound of music in the distance.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Come out
To leave or go out of a place.
Example
She exited the building and walked towards her car.
To make known or disclose something that was previously hidden or secret.
Example
The company decided to reveal their new product line during the press conference.
To come out or appear from a hidden or obscure place.
Example
The sun started to set, and the stars began to emerge in the sky.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Make out
To comprehend or grasp something with effort or difficulty.
Example
The math problem was so complex that I could only understand it with difficulty after several attempts.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “come”
Phrasal Verbs with “make”
Phrasal Verbs with “out”
Differences in come out vs make out: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: come out or make out?
In daily conversation, people use come out more often than make out. This is because come out is used for more common situations such as leaving a building or revealing information. Make out is not used as much and can be replaced by simpler expressions like 'see' or 'hear'. So, while both phrases are used, come out is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of come out and make out
Come out and make 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 come out and make out
The tone of come out and make out can differ based on context. Come out often carries a neutral or straightforward tone when related to exiting or revealing information, while make out typically has a strained or challenging tone, especially when referring to seeing or hearing something with difficulty.
