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Phrasal verbs "pay off" vs "wear off"

Differences between pay off and wear off

Pay off means to pay a debt or to receive a benefit as a result of hard work or effort, while wear off means for something to gradually disappear or lose its effect.

Meanings and Definitions: pay off vs wear off

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Pay off

  • 1Completely repay a debt.

    The mortgage will be PAID OFF in twenty - five years.

  • 2Produce a profitable or successful result.

    Their patience PAID OFF when he finally showed up and signed the contract.

Wear off

  • 1Stop having an effect.

    The anaesthetic WORE OFF and my tooth started hurting.

Usage Examples: pay off, wear off in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

pay off

Example

I plan to pay off my student loans within five years.

Example

She pays off her credit card balance every month.

wear off

Example

The pain relief from the medicine will wear off in a few hours.

Example

The excitement of the new toy wears off quickly for children.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pay off

settle a debt

To pay back money that is owed to someone.

Example

She finally settled her debt with the bank after months of saving money.

reap the benefits

To receive a reward or advantage as a result of hard work or effort.

Example

After years of studying, she was able to reap the benefits of her education and land her dream job.

cash in on

To profit or gain an advantage from a situation or opportunity.

Example

The company was able to cash in on the growing demand for eco-friendly products and increase its sales.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Wear off

fade away

To gradually disappear or become less noticeable.

Example

The pain in her knee started to fade away after taking the medication.

lose its effect

For something to stop having the desired or expected impact.

Example

The coffee's energizing effect started to lose its effect after a few hours.

diminish

To become smaller or less significant over time.

Example

The excitement of the new job offer started to diminish as she realized the long commute and low salary.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “pay”

Phrasal Verbs with “wear”

Differences in pay off vs wear off: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: pay off or wear off?

In daily conversation, people use wear off more often than pay off. This is because wear off is used to describe common experiences such as the fading of pain or the loss of interest in something. Pay off is not used as much, but it is still a common phrase when talking about financial matters or achieving goals. So, while both phrases are used, wear off is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of pay off and wear off

Pay off and wear off 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 pay off and wear off

The tone of pay off and wear off can differ based on context. Pay off often carries a positive and rewarding tone when related to achieving goals or paying debts, while wear off typically has a neutral or negative tone, especially when referring to the loss of a desirable effect or sensation.

pay off & wear off: Synonyms and Antonyms

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