Differences between make out and tune out
Make out usually means to see, hear, or understand something with difficulty, while tune out generally means to stop paying attention to something or someone.
Meanings and Definitions: make out vs tune 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.
Tune out
- 1Ignore, not pay attention.
I TUNED him OUT because he was talking such rubbish.
Usage Examples: make out, tune 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.
tune out
Example
When the teacher started talking about history, I tuned out.
Example
She tunes out whenever her brother talks about video games.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Make out
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Tune out
To intentionally not pay attention to someone or something.
Example
She decided to ignore her coworker's rude comments and focus on her work instead.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “make”
Phrasal Verbs with “tune”
Differences in make out vs tune out: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: make out or tune out?
In daily conversation, people use make out more often than tune out. This is because make out can be used in a variety of situations where we have difficulty seeing, hearing, or understanding something. Tune out is less common and is mainly used when we want to express disinterest or boredom in what someone is saying. So, while both phrases are used, make out is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of make out and tune out
Make out and tune 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 tune out
The tone of make out and tune out can differ based on context. Make out often carries a frustrated or surprised tone when related to understanding or seeing something, while tune out typically has a dismissive or bored tone, especially when referring to ignoring someone or something.
