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Phrasal verbs "make off" vs "make out"

Differences between make off and make out

Make off means to leave quickly or escape, often with something that doesn't belong to you. On the other hand, make out means to see, hear, or understand something with difficulty or to kiss passionately.

Meanings and Definitions: make off vs make out

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Make off

  • 1Leave somewhere in a hurry.

    They MADE OFF when they heard the police siren.

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: make off, make out in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

make off

Example

The thieves made off with the stolen goods.

Example

He makes off as soon as he sees the security guard.

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 Make off

run away

To leave quickly, often to escape from danger or avoid punishment.

Example

The thief ran away with the stolen jewelry before the police arrived.

take flight

To flee or escape from a situation or place.

Example

As soon as they heard the alarm, the birds took flight and disappeared into the sky.

bolt

To run away suddenly and quickly, often without warning.

Example

The horse bolted when it heard the loud noise, throwing its rider off balance.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Make out

figure out

To understand or solve something with effort or difficulty.

Example

It took me a while to figure out the answer to the math problem, but I finally got it.

make sense of

To understand or interpret something that is confusing or unclear.

Example

I couldn't make sense of the instructions until I read them a few times.

catch on

To understand or learn something quickly or easily.

Example

She caught on to the new software program after just a few minutes of training.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “out”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: make off or make out?

In daily conversation, people use make out more often than make off. This is because make out can be used in a variety of situations, from struggling to read a sign to describing a romantic encounter. Make off is less common and usually used in specific contexts, such as crime or theft.

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

Make off and make out are both informal phrases often used in casual conversations. However, make off can also be used in news reports or crime stories. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of make off and make out

The tone of make off and make out can differ based on context. Make off often carries a negative or suspicious tone when related to theft or escape, while make out can have a playful or romantic tone, especially when referring to kissing.

make off & make out: Synonyms and Antonyms

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