Differences between give out and hold out
Give out means to distribute something, or to stop working due to a lack of energy or resources. Hold out means to resist or endure something, or to offer something to someone with the expectation that they will take it.
Meanings and Definitions: give out vs hold out
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Give out
- 1Distribute.
Somebody was GIVING leaflets OUT in front of the underground station.
- 2Stop working, through age or overuse.
I'd been having trouble with my laptop and it finally GAVE OUT at the weekend.
- 3Have no more of a supply.
The water GAVE OUT after a week in the desert.
- 4Make public.
They GAVE the names of the winners OUT last night.
- 5Emit.
The factory GIVES OUT a lot of fumes.
- 6End or finish somewhere.
The path GIVES OUT halfway around the lake.
- 7Make a sound or noise.
She GAVE OUT a moan.
- 8Read the wordings of a hymn or psalm aloud for congregational singing.
He GAVE OUT the psalm.
Hold out
- 1Resist.
When the enemy attacked, they HELD OUT for six weeks.
- 2Hold in front of you.
I HELD OUT my hand when she walked in.
Usage Examples: give out, hold out in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
give out
Example
The teacher will give out the test papers at the start of the class.
Example
She gives out free samples at the mall.
hold out
Example
They hold out hope that their missing cat will return.
Example
She holds out against the pressure to conform.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Give out
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Hold out
resist
To withstand or oppose something with force or determination.
Example
He tried to resist the temptation to eat the entire cake by himself.
stand firm
To maintain one's position or opinion despite opposition or pressure.
Example
The negotiator had to stand firm on their demands to reach a fair agreement.
offer up
To present or suggest something for consideration or acceptance.
Example
He decided to offer up his car for the weekend to help his friend move to a new apartment.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “give”
Phrasal Verbs with “hold”
Phrasal Verbs with “out”
Differences in give out vs hold out: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: give out or hold out?
In daily conversation, people use give out more often than hold out. This is because give out is used for more daily tasks and routines such as giving out candy on Halloween or giving out assignments in class. Hold out is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about resisting something or offering something. So, while both phrases are used, give out is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of give out and hold out
Give out and hold 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 give out and hold out
The tone of give out and hold out can differ based on context. Give out often carries a helpful or exhausted tone when related to distributing items or running out of energy, while hold out typically has a determined or hesitant tone, especially when referring to resisting something or offering something with hesitation.
