make out

British  

verb

1. (tr) to discern or perceive

   can you make out that house in the distance?

2. (tr) to understand or comprehend

   I can't make out this letter

3. (tr) to write out

   he made out a cheque

4. (tr) to attempt to establish or prove

   he made me out to be a liar

5. (intr) to pretend

   he made out that he could cook

6. (intr) to manage or fare

   how did you make out in the contest?

7. informal to engage in necking or petting

   Alan is making out with Jane

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make out Idioms  

1. Discern or see, especially with difficulty, as in I can hardly make out the number on the door . [Mid-1700s]

2. Manage, get along, as in How did you make out with the accountant? This usage was first recorded in 1820.

3. Engage in sexual foreplay or intercourse, as in Bill and Jane were making out on the sofa , or Joe bragged that he made out last night . [ Slang ; early 1900s]

4. Understand, as in I can't make out what she is trying to say . [Mid-1600s] Also see can't make head or tail of .

5. Establish or prove, as in He made out that he was innocent . [ Colloquial ; mid-1600s]

6. Imply or suggest. This usage often occurs with an infinitive, as in Are you making me out to be a liar? [ Colloquial ; mid-1600s]

7. Write out, draw up; fill in a written form. For example, He made out the invoices , or Jane started making out job applications . This usage was first recorded in 1465.

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Example Sentences

Make out a lineup, change pitchers — what’s so tough?

From Washington Post • Mar. 28, 2014

“But you didn’t have to cut me off/ Make out like it never happened and that we were nothing,” he accuses his ex, jumping up an octave.

From Time • May 15, 2012

Make out the certificate instantly, and I’ll take up your case later.’

From The Case and Exceptions Stories of Counsel and Clients by Hill, Frederick Trevor

"Make out the bill," said I, "in francs, and send it to the executors of Mademoiselle Faustine."

From Mr. Punch's After-Dinner Stories by Hammerton, J. A. (John Alexander)

Make out a form letter that could be sent when the money is returned.

From Business English A Practice Book by Buhlig, Rose