To form an opinion, understanding, or interpretation about something, especially something puzzling or unclear.
Decide what you think something means or what kind of thing it is.
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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
To understand or interpret a person's character, behaviour, or motives.
"He's so unpredictable — I can never quite make anything of him."
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
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.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "make of" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.