What are the definitions of “butt out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Not be involved in other people's business.
This is none of your business, so just BUTT OUT!
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “butt out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb butt out is to stop being involved in other people's business or affairs. It is often used when someone is interfering or being nosy, and another person wants them to stop. For example, if someone is trying to give unwanted advice or asking too many questions, you might tell them to butt out.
What are the different verb forms of “butt out”?
| Root Verb | butt out |
| Third Person Singular Present | butts out |
| Present Participle | butting out |
| Simple Past | butted out |
| Past Participle | butted out |
Example
I wish she would butt out of my personal life.
Example
He always butts out when he realizes he's not wanted in the conversation.
Example
She is butting out of their argument, as it's none of her business.
Example
When I asked him to, he butted out of the discussion.
Example
She had butted out of the conversation when she realized it was private.
What kind of phrasal verb is “butt out”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“butt out” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
I wish she would butt out of my personal life.
Example
He butted out when he realized he was not wanted in the conversation.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“butt out” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
I wish she would butt out of my personal life.
Example
He butted out when he realized he was not wanted in the conversation.
Good things to know
Does “butt out” have an informal or formal tone?
Butt out is an informal phrasal verb and is not suitable for formal settings or writing. It is commonly used in casual conversations among friends, family, or acquaintances. In more formal situations, you might use phrases like 'please refrain from interfering' or 'kindly mind your own business' instead.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “butt out”?
Synonyms
- mind your own business
- stay out
- keep out
- don't interfere
- leave alone
- stop meddling
Antonyms
- interfere
- meddle
- participate
- engage
- get involved
- join in
