Differences between put off and put out
Put off means to delay or postpone something, while put out means to extinguish a fire or a light, or to inconvenience someone.
Meanings and Definitions: put off vs put out
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Put off
- 1Postpone.
The concert's been PUT OFF until next month because the singer's got a throat infection.
- 2Stop liking something or somebody.
I was really PUT OFF by the way he eats with his mouth open.
Put out
- 1Broadcast.
Several charities PUT OUT an appeal on TV for money for the victims of the flooding in Mozambique.
- 2Disturb or trouble someone.
Would it be PUTTING you OUT greatly if I asked to change to another day.
- 3Extinguish a cigarette, fire, etc..
He PUT OUT his cigarette before entering the building.
Usage Examples: put off, put out in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
put off
Example
We need to put off the party because of the rain.
Example
She always puts off her homework until the last minute.
put out
Example
Please put out your cigarette before entering the building.
Example
She puts out the campfire before going to sleep.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Put off
To postpone or reschedule an event or task to a later time or date.
Example
She had to delay her trip due to bad weather conditions.
To delay or avoid doing something that needs to be done, often out of laziness or indecision.
Example
He tends to procrastinate when it comes to studying for exams.
To delay or put off an event or task until a later time or date.
Example
The meeting was postponed until next week due to scheduling conflicts.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Put out
To put out a fire or a flame by depriving it of oxygen or using water or other substances.
Example
The firefighters managed to extinguish the fire before it spread to nearby buildings.
snuff out
To extinguish a flame or a light by pressing or blowing on it.
Example
She snuffed out the candle before going to bed.
To satisfy a thirst or desire, or to extinguish a fire or a flame.
Example
He drank a glass of water to quench his thirst after playing soccer.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
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Phrasal Verbs with “put”
Differences in put off vs put out: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: put off or put out?
In daily conversation, people use put off more often than put out. This is because put off is used for more common situations such as postponing a meeting or delaying a task. Put out is less common and is mainly used in specific contexts such as putting out a fire or a cigarette. So, while both phrases are used, put off is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of put off and put out
Put off and put 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 put off and put out
The tone of put off and put out can differ based on context. Put off often carries a negative or procrastinating tone when related to delaying or postponing something, while put out typically has a practical and urgent tone, especially when referring to extinguishing a fire or a light.
put off & put out: Synonyms and Antonyms
Put off
Put out
Synonyms
- extinguish
- quench
- douse
- broadcast
- announce
- inconvenience
- trouble
- bother
- snuff out
- suppress
