Make out
phrasal verb
To perceive, understand or interpret something with difficulty.
I couldn't make out what he was trying to say in the noisy room.
phrasal verb
To kiss and touch someone in a sexual way.
They were making out in the backseat of the car.
Usage tips
Colloquial, Disapproving
phrasal verb
To write all the necessary information on a document such as a check.
Make the check out to 'ACME Corporation'.
phrasal verb
To claim, pretend or suggest that something is true.
He made out that he was the victim, when he was really the offender.
phrasal verb
To progress toward a successful outcome.
How is your team making out with the project?
phrasal verb
To perceive, understand or interpret something with difficulty.
I couldn't make out what he was trying to say in the noisy room.
phrasal verb
To kiss and touch someone in a sexual way.
They were making out in the backseat of the car.
Usage tips
Colloquial, Disapproving
phrasal verb
To write all the necessary information on a document such as a check.
Make the check out to 'ACME Corporation'.
phrasal verb
To claim, pretend or suggest that something is true.
He made out that he was the victim, when he was really the offender.
phrasal verb
To progress toward a successful outcome.
How is your team making out with the project?
Definition 1 of 5
Pro Tip 1/3Strained Comprehension
Indicates struggling to grasp unclear speech or writing.
Could you speak up? I can barely make out your words.
Pro Tip 2/3Close Attention Needed
Requires focusing closely to distinguish details.
In the fog, we had to really focus to make out the sign.
Pro Tip 3/3Contextual Guesswork
Sometimes based on partial understanding and guessing.
From his gestures, I could make out he needed help.
Pro Tip 1/3Strained Comprehension
Indicates struggling to grasp unclear speech or writing.
Could you speak up? I can barely make out your words.
Pro Tip 2/3Close Attention Needed
Requires focusing closely to distinguish details.
In the fog, we had to really focus to make out the sign.
Pro Tip 3/3Contextual Guesswork
Sometimes based on partial understanding and guessing.
From his gestures, I could make out he needed help.
Pro Tip 1/3Strained Comprehension
Indicates struggling to grasp unclear speech or writing.
Could you speak up? I can barely make out your words.
Pro Tip 2/3Close Attention Needed
Requires focusing closely to distinguish details.
In the fog, we had to really focus to make out the sign.
Pro Tip 3/3Contextual Guesswork
Sometimes based on partial understanding and guessing.
From his gestures, I could make out he needed help.
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