make
make
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "make" is /meɪk/.
/meɪk/
Word Form Variations
Verb: make (base form), makes (third person singular present), making (present participle), made (past simple, past participle)
Noun: make (singular), makes (plural)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Verb
Definition 1: To form something by putting parts together or combining substances; to create or construct.
Synonyms: create, construct, build, form, produce, manufacture, fashion
Antonyms: break, destroy, dismantle, unmake, ruin, demolish
Definition 2: To cause (something) to exist or happen; to bring about.
Synonyms: cause, effect, bring about, generate, produce, occasion
Antonyms: prevent, stop, hinder, impede, suppress
Definition 3: To force or cause (someone or something) to do something.
Synonyms: compel, oblige, force, require, coerce, induce
Antonyms: permit, allow, enable, dissuade, prevent
Definition 4: To arrive at or reach (a place or destination).
Synonyms: reach, attain, get to, arrive at, achieve
Antonyms: miss, fail to reach, fall short of, lose
Definition 5: To earn or acquire (money or a profit).
Synonyms: earn, gain, acquire, obtain, secure, collect
Antonyms: lose, spend, expend, forfeit, waste
Definition 6: To amount to; to constitute.
Synonyms: constitute, compose, form, comprise, represent
Antonyms: dissolve, separate, disintegrate
Definition 7: To prepare (food, a bed, a drink, etc.).
Synonyms: prepare, cook, brew, arrange, set up
Antonyms: unmake, mess up, disrupt
Noun
Definition 1: The style or type of something, especially a manufactured product; a brand or model.
Synonyms: brand, model, type, kind, style, sort
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; perhaps "unbranded" or "generic" as contrasting labels)
Definition 2: The process or act of creating or forming something.
Synonyms: creation, construction, production, fabrication, build
Antonyms: destruction, dismantling, demolition
Definition 3: (Informal) An instance of sexual intercourse.
Synonyms: (informal) hookup, fling, tryst, encounter
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; refers to the act itself)
Definition 4: (Obsolete) Form, shape, or appearance.
Synonyms: form, shape, configuration, appearance
Antonyms: shapelessness, amorphousness
Examples of Use
Books:
"He resolved to make amends for his past mistakes, beginning with an apology to his estranged sister." (Fictional example from a drama or redemption novel)
"To effectively make a convincing argument, one must present clear evidence and logical reasoning." (From a non-fiction book on rhetoric or critical thinking)
"The detailed manual explained how to make a simple wooden birdhouse using basic tools." (From a DIY guide or craft book)
Newspapers:
"The government aims to make significant progress in reducing youth unemployment by the end of the year." ("The Standard,")
"Toyota announced plans to make electric vehicles a central part of its production makeup in the next decade." ("Business Daily Africa,")
"The Central Bank of Kenya is under pressure to make a decision on interest rates amidst rising inflation." ("Daily Nation,")
Online Publications:
"How to make money online: A comprehensive guide to passive income streams." (An article on a finance or entrepreneurship blog, e.g., "Investopedia.com,")
"Our new recipe shows you how to make delicious homemade pasta from scratch." (A food blog, e.g., "Delish.com,")
"Discover the various car makes and models available in the Kenyan market." (An automotive review site, e.g., "Cheki.co.ke,")
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "I'm going to make him an offer he can't refuse." (Marlon Brando as Vito Corleone in The Godfather, 1972)
Television Series: "For your next challenge, you must make a costume entirely from recycled materials." (Instructions on a fashion or design reality show, e.g., Project Runway)
Song Lyrics: "You make my dreams come true." (Hall & Oates, "You Make My Dreams (Come True)," 1981)
Video Games: "Your choices will make a significant impact on the game's ending." (In-game narration or tutorial, e.g., Mass Effect)
Podcasts: "In this episode, we make the case for why sleep is just as important as diet and exercise." (A podcast host presenting an argument, e.g., "Huberman Lab")
General Public Discourse:
"Can you make me a cup of tea, please?" (A common request)
"We need to make a decision soon about our vacation plans." (A statement about needing to decide)
"Don't make a mess in the kitchen!" (A command to children)
"How much money do you make in your new job?" (A common question about income)
"What make of car do you drive?" (Asking about a car brand)
"I want to make a difference in the world." (A personal aspiration)
10 Famous Quotes Using Make
"Be the change that you wish to see in the world — you must be the one to make it happen." – Mahatma Gandhi
"Life is what you make it. Always has been, always will be." – Eleanor Roosevelt
"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." – Winston Churchill
"You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas." – Shirley Chisholm
"I never dreamed about success. I worked for it. You make your own luck." – Estee Lauder
"You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. So take a risk. Make the shot." – Wayne Gretzky
"Creativity is intelligence having fun. Make it count." – Albert Einstein (attributed)
"The best way to predict the future is to make it." – Peter Drucker
"Whatever you are, be a good one. Make your mark." – Abraham Lincoln
"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. Make your journey yours." – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Etymology
The word "make" is a very old and fundamental verb in the English language, with deep Germanic roots.
It comes from the Old English verb macian, which meant "to fashion," "to build," "to construct," "to create," or even "to compose."
This Old English word has connections to other Germanic languages, like Old High German mahhōn and Middle Dutch maken, all carrying similar core meanings related to forming or producing something.
The first known use of "make" in English, with the meaning of "to produce, create, or cause to exist by shaping, combining, or arranging material," dates back to before the 9th century (Old English period).
Over centuries, the word has greatly expanded its range of uses, encompassing everything from physical creation ("make a chair") to causing an effect ("make someone happy"), earning money ("make a profit"), arriving at a place ("make it home"), and even compelling an action ("make him go"). All these extended meanings are built upon the original sense of bringing something into being or causing something to happen.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Make
Make up (one's mind): To decide.
Make sense: To be logical or understandable.
Make do: To manage with what is available, even if it's not ideal.
Make believe: To pretend.
Make headway: To make progress.
Make ends meet: To earn just enough money to live without debt.
Make waves: To cause trouble or a disturbance.
Make out: To discern or understand; (informal) to engage in sexual activity.
Make light of: To treat something serious as unimportant.
Make or break: A situation that will lead to either success or failure.
To make a splash: To create a notable or exciting impression. (Synonymous with "make an impact")
Make for: To move towards a place; to tend to result in.
To make one's mark: To achieve recognition or distinction.
Make tracks: To leave a place, often quickly.
Make short work of: To deal with something quickly and easily.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of make from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
