Differences between make out and sniff out
Make out usually means to see, hear, or understand something with difficulty, while sniff out means to detect or find something by using one's sense of smell or intuition.
Meanings and Definitions: make out vs sniff out
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.
Sniff out
- 1Find something by smell ( usually for dogs ).
Customs use dogs to SNIFF OUT illegal drugs being smuggled in.
- 2Find out information, especially when people don't want anyone to know.
Our rivals are trying to SNIFF OUT our plans for expansion.
Usage Examples: make out, sniff out 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.
sniff out
Example
The dog can sniff out hidden treats.
Example
She sniffs out the best deals when shopping.
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 her prescription.
To hear or understand something that is said quietly or unclearly.
Example
I couldn't catch what he said over the loud music, so I asked him to repeat it.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Sniff out
To discover or notice something that is hidden or not easily seen.
Example
The security guard was able to detect the thief's presence in the building.
To reveal or discover something that was previously unknown or hidden.
Example
The journalist was able to uncover the corruption scandal through extensive research and interviews.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “make”
Phrasal Verbs with “sniff”
- sniff around
- sniff at
Phrasal Verbs with “out”
Differences in make out vs sniff out: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: make out or sniff out?
In daily conversation, people use make out more often than sniff out. This is because make out can be used in a variety of situations, such as trying to read a blurry sign or hearing someone speak softly. Sniff out is less common and is mainly used when referring to animals or detectives finding something by scent or intuition.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of make out and sniff out
Make out and sniff 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 make out and sniff out
The tone of make out and sniff out can differ based on context. Make out often carries a frustrated or curious tone when related to understanding or seeing something, while sniff out typically has a determined or investigative tone, especially when referring to finding something hidden or elusive.
