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Phrasal verbs "make off with" vs "make out"

Differences between make off with and make out

Make off with means to steal something and escape with it, while make out means to understand or perceive something, or to engage in kissing and other romantic activities.

Meanings and Definitions: make off with vs make out

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Make off with

  • 1Steal.

    Thieves MADE OFF WITH over a million dollars in the robbery.

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 with, make out in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

make off with

Example

The burglar made off with the family's valuable jewelry.

Example

He makes off with the stolen money before the police arrive.

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 with

steal

To take something without permission or unlawfully.

Example

Someone broke into the store and stole all the cash from the register.

run away with

To escape with something or someone, often in a hurried or sneaky manner.

Example

The thief ran away with the diamond necklace before anyone could catch him.

swipe

To take something quickly and secretly, often with a slight movement of the hand.

Example

He swiped a few cookies from the jar when his mom wasn't looking.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Make out

figure out

To understand or solve a problem or situation.

Example

It took me a while to figure out how to use the new software program.

grasp

To understand or comprehend something.

Example

She couldn't grasp the concept of quantum physics until she read the article a few times.

see through

To understand the true nature or intentions of someone or something.

Example

She was able to see through his lies and realized he wasn't telling the truth.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “out”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: make off with or make out?

In everyday conversation, make out is more common than make off with. This is because make out has multiple meanings and can be used in various contexts, while make off with is a specific phrase used only when referring to theft. However, both phrases are still used in daily conversations.

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

Make off with and make out are both informal phrases 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 make off with and make out

The tone of make off with and make out can differ based on context. Make off with often carries a negative or criminal tone, while make out can have a playful or romantic tone.

make off with & make out: Synonyms and Antonyms

Make off with

Synonyms

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