Browse all

make of

B1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

Decide what you think something means or what kind of thing it is.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic neutral

To form an opinion or judgement about something confusing, unusual, or ambiguous.

"The report was so contradictory that I didn't know what to make of it."

"I don't know what to make of this."

— Widely used phrase; notable usage in The X-Files (Fox, 1993–2018), Season 1
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic neutral

To understand or interpret a person's character, behaviour, or motives.

"He's so unpredictable — I can never quite make anything of him."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic neutral

To use an opportunity or situation well (often in the phrase 'make the most of' or 'make something of yourself').

"Her parents always told her to make something of herself."

"You can make something of your life if you try."

— Barack Obama, commencement address, commonly attributed across multiple speeches
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Almost always used in questions or reported speech: 'What do you make of it?' Very rarely used in affirmative statements without 'what'. Common in both British and American English.

Commonly used with

nothing little much sense anything it

Forms

Base
make of
I/you/we/they
3rd person
makes of
he/she/it
Past simple
made of
yesterday
Past participle
made of
have + pp
-ing form
making of
continuous

Understand "make of" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Synonyms

think of interpret understand reckon read assess

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "make of" on Looplines