1 B1 idiomatic neutral
To completely change the appearance, style, or image of a person or place.
"The TV show made over the family's living room in just 48 hours."
separable
make over
B1 neutral separable transitive
To completely transform the appearance or style of a person or place; or (formal/legal) to transfer ownership of property.
In plain English
Change how something or someone looks completely; give your property to someone else officially.
What does "make over" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic formal
(Formal/legal) To transfer ownership of property or assets to another person.
"She made over her estate to her eldest daughter before she died."
separable
Usage tip
The cosmetic/lifestyle sense is very common in popular media (TV makeover shows). The legal transfer sense is formal and less frequent in everyday speech.
Words that pair with "make over"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
room house wardrobe image brand property
How to conjugate "make over"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
make over
I/you/we/they
3rd person
makes over
he/she/it
Past simple
made over
yesterday
Past participle
made over
have + pp
-ing form
making over
continuous
Hear "make over" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "make over" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "make over"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
overhaul redesign renovate revamp transfer transform
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