1 C1 idiomatic slang
To find the answer to a problem or to understand something complex through careful thinking.
"Give me a minute — I think I can dope out how this mechanism works."
separable
dope out
C1 slang separable transitive
To figure out something through careful thought or clever reasoning.
In plain English
To think hard about something until you understand it or find the answer.
What does "dope out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic slang
To devise or plan something, especially a strategy or course of action.
"The coach doped out a new play that caught the other team completely off guard."
separable
Usage tip
American English slang, now somewhat dated. Common in early-to-mid 20th century American writing. Rarely heard in everyday conversation today.
Words that pair with "dope out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
plan answer solution problem schedule mystery
How to conjugate "dope out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
dope out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
dopes out
he/she/it
Past simple
doped out
yesterday
Past participle
doped out
have + pp
-ing form
doping out
continuous
Hear "dope out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "dope out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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