wash off
A2 neutral separable both
In simple words
Clean something off a surface using water.
Literal meaning: To wash something so it comes off a surface.
Meanings
1 A2 neutral
To remove a substance, stain, or dirt from a surface by washing with water.
"Don't worry, that paint will wash off easily."
Grammar: separable
2 A2 neutral
For rain, water, or weather to remove a surface marking or coating.
"The chalk drawings on the pavement had all washed off in the rain."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Very common in everyday domestic contexts. Can be used transitively ('wash the mud off') or intransitively ('the mud washed off easily'). Often used to reassure someone that a stain is not permanent.
Commonly used with
mud paint stain makeup dirt ink
Forms
Base
wash off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
washes off
he/she/it
Past simple
washed off
yesterday
Past participle
washed off
have + pp
-ing form
washing off
continuous
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Synonyms
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