blow out
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle out
Meanings
Extinguish a flame by blowing
Why “out”? Something is used until nothing is left. Energy, supply, fire, and time all reach zero.
“She blew out the candles.”
“The wind blew out the lamp.”
Don't confuse with
Blow out means stop a flame by blowing. Blow up means explode.
Test yourself
“She blew out the candles.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
blow up
A contrast learners often mix up
Explode or be destroyed by an explosion; Inflate something by filling it with air; Suddenly become very angry; Enlarge a photograph or image; (of a storm or argument) develop quickly into something serious
burn out
Same out pattern: exhaustion
Become exhausted from overwork; (of a fire) Stop burning because there is no fuel left; (of an electrical device) Stop working because of overheating; Destroy a building or vehicle by fire
chill out
Same out pattern: exhaustion
Relax and stop being anxious
close out
Same out pattern: exhaustion
End or settle a process or account
conk out
Same out pattern: exhaustion
Stop working suddenly, especially of an engine or machine
die out
Same out pattern: exhaustion
Gradually disappear
dry out
Same out pattern: exhaustion
Become or make completely dry
fizzle out
Same out pattern: exhaustion
End weakly after a strong start
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- Spaced repetition (SM-2) brings each meaning back right before you forget.
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