What are the definitions of “make out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 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.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “make out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb make out is to see, hear, or understand something with difficulty. For example, it can mean trying to understand what someone is saying in a noisy environment, or seeing something far away or unclear.
What are the different verb forms of “make out”?
| Root Verb | make out |
| Third Person Singular Present | makes out |
| Present Participle | making out |
| Simple Past | made out |
| Past Participle | made out |
Example
I can barely make out the words on the sign.
Example
She makes out the faint sound of music in the distance.
Example
He is making out the shapes of the mountains through the fog.
Example
Yesterday, they made out a figure in the shadows.
Example
The message was made out after some effort.
What kind of phrasal verb is “make 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.)
Transitive verb
“make out” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
I can make out the words on the page.
Example
She made out the sound of footsteps.
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
“make 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 can make out the words on the page.
Example
She made out the sound of footsteps.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “make out”?
Good things to know
Does “make out” have an informal or formal tone?
Make out is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use alternative words or phrases, such as 'discern,' 'perceive,' or 'understand.'
