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Phrasal verbs "see off" vs "stay off"

Differences between see off and stay off

See off means to accompany someone to the airport, train station, or bus stop when they are leaving. On the other hand, stay off means to avoid doing something or to keep away from a particular place or thing.

Meanings and Definitions: see off vs stay off

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

See off

  • 1Chase somebody or something away.

    A cat came into the back garden but the dog soon SAW it OFF.

  • 2Go to the airport, station, etc., to say goodbye to someone.

    I went to the station to SEE them OFF.

Stay off

  • 1To not go to or be absent from work.

    I daren’t stay off work.

  • 2To remain at a lower weight or level.

    Let’s make sure those pounds stay off.

  • 3Avoid or refrain from.

    The best advice is to stay off alcohol altogether.

Usage Examples: see off, stay off in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

see off

Example

I will see off my friend at the airport tomorrow.

Example

She sees off her husband at the train station every time he goes on a business trip.

stay off

Example

I decided to stay off social media for a week.

Example

She stays off caffeine to avoid feeling jittery.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of See off

bid farewell

To say goodbye to someone who is leaving for a trip or a long journey.

Example

We went to the airport to bid farewell to our friend who was moving to another country.

send off

To accompany someone to the airport, train station, or bus stop when they are leaving.

Example

We decided to send off our parents at the train station when they were leaving for their vacation.

escort to

To accompany someone to a particular place, especially when they need assistance or protection.

Example

The security guard escorted us to the conference room where the meeting was being held.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Stay off

keep away from

To avoid going near or being in contact with a particular place or thing.

Example

He was advised to keep away from spicy food as it could trigger his acid reflux.

steer clear of

To avoid or stay away from a particular person, place, or thing that could be harmful or dangerous.

Example

She decided to steer clear of her ex-boyfriend's party as she didn't want any drama.

refrain from

To avoid doing something that is considered wrong or inappropriate.

Example

He promised to refrain from smoking in front of his children as he wanted to set a good example.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “see”

Phrasal Verbs with “stay”

Phrasal Verbs with “off”

Differences in see off vs stay off: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: see off or stay off?

In daily conversation, people use see off more often than stay off. This is because see off is used when we say goodbye to someone who is leaving for a trip or a long journey. Stay off is not used as much in everyday conversation. It's mainly used when we want to warn someone to avoid doing something or to stay away from a particular place or thing. So, while both phrases are used, see off is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of see off and stay off

See off and stay 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 see off and stay off

The tone of see off and stay off can differ based on context. See off often carries a sentimental or emotional tone when related to saying goodbye to someone, while stay off typically has a warning or cautionary tone, especially when referring to avoiding something or staying away from a place.

see off & stay off: Synonyms and Antonyms

See off

Synonyms

  • repel
  • bid farewell
  • say goodbye
  • send off
  • chase away
  • scare off

Stay off

Synonyms

Antonyms

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