English · Daily Life
work out
/wɜːk aʊt/
[/wɜːk aʊt/]
solve; exercise
Intermediateverb
Definition
To solve a problem or calculate something; also to do physical exercise.
Example
It took me ages to work out how to assemble the bookshelf without the missing instructions.
It took me ages to work out how to assemble the bookshelf without the missing instructions.
Etymology
From 'work' plus 'out', with the 'solve' sense from labouring something to a conclusion.
How & Where It’s Used
Versatile and common; the exercise sense is now dominant, plus 'things worked out' meaning succeeded.