Phrasal verbs "dispense with" vs "make do with"

Differences between dispense with and make do with

Dispense with means to get rid of something or someone, while make do with means to manage or cope with what is available, even if it's not ideal.

Meanings and Definitions: dispense with vs make do with

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Dispense with

• 1. To skip or eliminate.

  I think we all know each other, so we can dispense with the formalities.

Make do with

• 1. Accept something less satisfactory because there's no alternative.

  There's no coffee, so we'll have to MAKE DO WITH tea.

Usage Examples: dispense with, make do with in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

dispense with

Example

We can dispense with the introductions since we all know each other.

Example

She dispenses with the usual pleasantries when she's in a hurry.

make do with

Example

We don't have enough chairs, so we'll have to make do with sitting on the floor.

Example

She makes do with her old phone because she can't afford a new one.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Dispense with

get rid of

To eliminate or remove something from a place or situation.

Example

We need to get rid of these old files to make room for the new ones.

do away with

To eliminate or abolish something completely.

Example

The company decided to do away with its dress code policy to promote a more relaxed work environment.

discard

To throw away or get rid of something that is no longer needed or useful.

Example

She decided to discard her old clothes and donate them to charity.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Make do with

get by with

To manage or survive with what is available, even if it's not ideal.

Example

After losing his job, he had to get by with a smaller income.

make the best of

To try to enjoy or improve a difficult situation as much as possible.

Example

Even though the hotel was not what they expected, they decided to make the best of their vacation.

cope with

To deal with or manage a difficult situation or problem.

Example

She had to cope with the stress of studying for exams while working part-time.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “make”

• make towards
• make off
• make up to
• make it
• make of

Phrasal Verbs with “with”

• identify with
• fool with
• credit with
• charge with
• disagree with

Differences in dispense with vs make do with: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: dispense with or make do with?

In everyday conversation, make do with is more common than dispense with. This is because make do with is a phrase that people use frequently in daily life, especially when they have to deal with limited resources. On the other hand, dispense with is less common and is usually used in more formal settings.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of dispense with and make do with

Dispense with is a more formal phrase that is often used in business or legal contexts. It can also be used in academic writing. Make do with, on the other hand, is an informal phrase that is suitable for everyday conversations with friends and family.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of dispense with and make do with

The tone of dispense with is usually more serious and formal, while the tone of make do with is more casual and practical.

dispense with & make do with: Synonyms and Antonyms

Dispense with

Synonyms

• skip
• omit
• eliminate
• bypass
• ignore
• avoid
• abandon
• forgo
• do away with

Antonyms

• include
• maintain
• preserve
• retain
• uphold
• continue
• embrace
• adhere to

Make do with

Synonyms

• accept
• endure
• tolerate
• manage with
• get by with
• cope with
• settle for

Antonyms

• refuse
• reject
• disapprove
• deny
• decline