English · Common Verbs

make out

/meɪk aʊt/

[/meɪk aʊt/]

see or hear with difficulty; manage

Intermediateverb

Definition

To see, hear, or understand something with difficulty, or to manage in a situation.

Example

I could just make out a figure in the fog.

I could just make out a figure in the fog.

Etymology

From 'make' plus 'out', the idea of bringing something into clear perception.

How & Where It’s Used

Common for perceiving with difficulty.

Watch “see or hear with difficulty; manage” pronunciation on YouTube
phrasal-verb

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