What does the phrasal verb “pay out” mean?

What are the definitions of “pay out”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. To distribute money, especially as a result of an investment.

  It’ll be a few years before our investments start paying out.

• 2. To spend or distribute money, especially a large amount.

  We’ve paid out thousands of pounds in health insurance over the years.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pay out”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pay out is to distribute money, especially as a result of an investment or in the form of a large amount. It can refer to receiving money from an investment or spending a significant sum on something.

What are the different verb forms of “pay out”?

Root Verb	pay out
Third Person Singular Present	pays out
Present Participle	paying out
Simple Past	paid out
Past Participle	paid out

Example

The company will pay out dividends to its shareholders.

Example

The insurance company pays out claims to its customers.

Example

She is paying out a large sum for her new car.

Example

He paid out a lot of money for his education.

Example

The lottery winnings have been paid out to the lucky winner.

What kind of phrasal verb is “pay out”?

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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

“pay 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

The bank paid out the loan to the borrower.

Example

She paid out a large sum for her new car.

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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

“pay 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

The bank paid out the loan to the borrower.

Example

She paid out a large sum for her new car.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pay out”?

Pay out a claim

To distribute money to someone who has made a claim, such as an insurance claim.

Example

The insurance company paid out the claim after reviewing the evidence.

Pay out dividends

To distribute profits to shareholders in a company.

Example

The company paid out dividends to its shareholders at the end of the year.

Pay out winnings

To distribute money to someone who has won a prize, such as in a lottery or gambling.

Example

The casino paid out the winnings to the lucky player.

Good things to know

Does “pay out” have an informal or formal tone?

Pay out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as business and finance discussions.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “pay out”?

Synonyms

• disburse
• distribute
• allocate
• expend
• spend
• divide
• share
• give out
• hand out

Antonyms for {keyword}

• collect
• receive
• withhold
• retain
• hold
• keep
• save
• take in