make out
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle out
Meanings
Manage to see, hear or understand something with difficulty
Why “out”? Something comes into the open. People can see it, know it, or understand it.
“I can just make out his signature.”
“I could make out a light in the fog.”
Don't confuse with
Make out means manage to see, hear or understand something with difficulty. Make up means invent or fabricate.
Test yourself
“I can just make out his signature.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
make up
A contrast learners often mix up
Invent or fabricate
act out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Perform a scene, story, or plan with actions; Express feelings through aggressive or attention-seeking behaviour
bail out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Rescue someone, especially financially
bear out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Provide evidence that confirms what someone has said
blast out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Play music extremely loudly through speakers
break out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
(of war, fire or disease) start suddenly
bring out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Make a quality or feature more obvious; Publish or launch a new product; Cause a particular response or behaviour in someone; Take something out of a container or place to show it; Encourage a shy person to be more confident
burst out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Suddenly start crying, laughing or shouting; Say something suddenly and forcefully; Leave a place suddenly and forcefully; (of a sound or song) suddenly begin loudly
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