Differences between make out and make up to
Make out means to see, hear, or understand something with difficulty, or to kiss and cuddle romantically. On the other hand, make up to means to try to gain someone's favor or forgiveness by being extra nice or doing something special for them.
Meanings and Definitions: make out vs make up to
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
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.
Make up to
- 1Increase a sum received to a higher figure.
The charity collected £ 24,517.57, and the anonymous donor MADE the total UP TO £ 25,000'
Usage Examples: make out, make up to in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
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.
make up to
Example
The company made up to the required amount by adding extra funds.
Example
She makes up to the target by contributing her own savings.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Make out
To interpret or understand something that is difficult to read or comprehend.
Example
She had to decipher the doctor's handwriting to understand the prescription.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Make up to
To express regret or say sorry for something wrong or hurtful.
Example
He had to apologize to his friend for forgetting their birthday.
butter up
To flatter or praise someone excessively to gain their favor or approval.
Example
He was trying to butter up his boss by complimenting her work and offering to help with a project.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “make”
Phrasal Verbs with “out”
Phrasal Verbs with “up to”
Differences in make out vs make up to: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: make out or make up to?
In daily conversation, people use make out more often than make up to. This is because make out has multiple meanings and can be used in different contexts, such as understanding something difficult or having a romantic encounter. Make up to is less common and is mainly used when someone wants to apologize or make amends with someone else.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of make out and make up to
Make out and make up to are both informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, make up to can be used in more formal settings like business or professional contexts when someone wants to make amends with a colleague or client.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of make out and make up to
The tone of make out and make up to can differ based on context. Make out can have a frustrated or confused tone when referring to understanding something difficult, while it can have a romantic or playful tone when referring to kissing or cuddling. Make up to typically has a remorseful or apologetic tone when someone wants to make amends with someone else.
