work out
phrasal verb·6 senses·particle out
Meanings
Solve a problem or calculate an answer
Why “out”? A problem, disagreement, or hard time continues until it is settled or ends.
“She worked out the cost before she bought the tickets.”
“Can you work out how many chairs we need?”
“I could not work it out, so I asked for help.”
Exercise to improve fitness
Why “out”? Going outward until nothing remains. Supply is gone.
“He works out three times a week.”
“Mina works out before breakfast.”
End in a particular way, often successfully
“It all worked out in the end.”
“The plan worked out well.”
Plan or develop something carefully in detail
Why “out”? Something comes into the open. People can see it, know it, or understand it.
“We need to work out a strategy.”
“They worked out a travel plan.”
Cost or amount to a particular figure
“It works out at fifteen pounds each.”
“The recipe works out at six servings.”
Understand someone's motives or character
“I can't work him out.”
“I cannot work out why she left.”
Don't confuse with
Test yourself
“She worked out the cost before she bought the tickets.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
work off
A contrast learners often mix up
Get rid of energy or weight through physical activity
work on
A contrast learners often mix up
Spend time and effort improving or making something
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
black out
Same out pattern: exhaustion
Lose consciousness briefly
blank out
Same out pattern: exhaustion
Suddenly fail to remember or think of something
blast out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Play music extremely loudly through speakers
Practice “work out” in Sink In
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