cancel out
B1 neutral separable both
In simple words
When two things balance each other so that neither one makes a difference.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
For two equal and opposite things to neutralize each other, resulting in no net effect.
"The extra income from my promotion was cancelled out by the increased commuting costs."
Grammar: separable
2 B1 neutral
In mathematics, to eliminate common factors from both sides of an equation.
"You can cancel out the variable on both sides to simplify the equation."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Used in mathematics, science, economics, and everyday language. Can be reciprocal (they cancel each other out) or transitive (X cancels out Y).
Commonly used with
effect gains losses noise vote benefit
Forms
Base
cancel out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
cancels out
he/she/it
Past simple
canceled out
yesterday
Past participle
canceled out
have + pp
-ing form
canceling out
continuous
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