1 make
Pronounced:
/ˈmeɪk/
Function:
verbInflected forms:
makes; made /ˈmeɪd/ mak·ing Meaning:
1 [+ obj] a : to build, create, or produce (something) by work or effort ▪ make a box/chair/suit ▪ make someone a dress = make a dress for someone ▪ He works in a factory that makes jet engines. ▪ She made the curtains herself. ▪ He collected wood to make a fire. ▪ She used cheese and a mixture of other ingredients to make a delicious sauce. —often followed by with to describe the things that are used to produce something ▪ She made the sauce with cheese and other ingredients. —often followed by of to describe the material that forms something ▪ The box is made of wood. [=it is a wood/wooden box; the material used to produce the box was wood] ▪ The topping is made entirely of cheese. [=the topping consists entirely of cheese] —often followed by from to describe the source of a product ▪ Cheese is made from milk. b : to use (something) to create a product —+ into ▪ She made the material into a dress. ▪ She made a mixture of ingredients into a delicious sauce.
2 [+ obj] : to cause (something) to exist, happen, or appear ▪ Someone was making a disturbance. ▪ The car's engine has been making a strange noise lately. ▪ The rock made a dent in the car's fender. ▪ I'm not trying to make trouble. ▪ The typist made a mistake. ▪ I called the doctor's office to make an appointment. ▪ They moved over and made room for her. ▪ I want to make a good home for my children.
3 [+ obj] : to create or write (something) in an official or legal way ▪ The government should make laws to protect poor people. ▪ I don't make the rules; I just follow them. ▪ You should make a will.
4 [+ obj] : to produce, direct, or act in (something, such as a movie) ▪ a director who has made some classic films ▪ That actor has made many films.
5 [+ obj] : to cause (something or someone) to be changed in a specified way ▪ They adapted a Russian play and made the setting Dublin rather than Moscow. ▪ We originally planned on a one-week vacation, but we decided to make it two weeks instead. ▪ The experience made him a cynic. = The experience made a cynic (out) of him. = The experience made [=changed, turned] him into a cynic. ▪ I'd like a hamburger. No, wait—make that a cheeseburger.
6 [+ obj] : to cause (something or someone) to have a specified quality, feeling, etc. ▪ A good teacher makes learning enjoyable. ▪ She made what she wanted clear to us. = She made (it) clear to us what she wanted. [=she said or showed clearly what she wanted] ▪ He made it understood/known that he expected us to help. ▪ The experience made him cynical. ▪ Working in the garden makes me very tired. ▪ It makes me sad to think that the summer is ending. ▪ The photograph makes me seem/look fat. ◊To make yourself useful means to do something useful. ▪ Why don't you make yourself useful by washing the dishes? ◊To make yourself heard/understood (etc.) means to do what is necessary to be sure that people hear you, understand you, etc. ▪ The music was so loud that she could hardly make herself heard. ▪ She doesn't speak French well, but she can make herself understood.
7 [+ obj] : to cause (something) to be or become something ▪ A good teacher makes learning a pleasure. = A good teacher makes it a pleasure to learn. ▪ Yes, you can leave work early today, but don't make it a habit. ▪ The bright paint really makes the room come alive!
8 [+ obj] a : to cause (someone) to do something ▪ He yelled at her and made her cry. ▪ How can I make you understand that I love you?! b : to force (someone) to do something ▪ We have to find a way to make them work faster. ▪ They made me wait for an hour. ▪ If he doesn't want to do it, we can't make him (do it). ▪ They used threats to make her do it. = She was made to do it by the use of threats.
9 [+ obj] : to give a particular job, title, status, etc., to (someone) ▪ They made him (the) Emperor. ▪ They made her a member of their club. = She was made a member of their club.
10 [+ obj] : to perform (a particular action) ▪ He made a bow. [=he bowed] ▪ We made [=took] a detour to avoid traffic. ▪ They made [=got] an early start. [=they started early] ▪ I have to make a (telephone) call to my boss. [=I have to call/telephone my boss] ▪ May I make a suggestion? [=may I suggest something?] ▪ “Make love, not war!” shouted the demonstrators. ▪ I'm not used to making [=giving] speeches. ▪ They made a bet [=they bet] that she would win. ▪ Don't make any sudden movements. ▪ They made a contribution. [=they contributed] ▪ We should make a distinction between them. ▪ She made a promise to him. = She made him a promise. ▪ He made note of her address. ▪ Time is running out. You'll have to make a decision soon.
11 [+ obj] : to form (a plan) in your mind ▪ Have you made any plans for your vacation?
12 [+ obj] : to arrange the blankets and sheets on (a bed) so that the mattress is covered ▪ She always makes the bed after she gets up in the morning.
13 [+ obj] : to prepare (food or drink) ▪ Let me make dinner for you. = Let me make you dinner. ▪ Can I make you a drink? ▪ I'll make the pasta if you make the salad. ▪ She made a cake for her daughter's birthday.
14 a [linking verb] —used to indicate a total ▪ That makes the third time you've said the same thing! ▪ I've lost again! That makes $3 I owe you. ▪ “I'm hungry.” “That makes two of us.” [=I'm hungry too] b [+ obj] : to be equal to (an amount) ▪ Three plus two make/makes [=equals, totals] five. c [+ obj] : to calculate (an amount, total, etc.) ▪ “What do you make the time?” [=what do you think the time is?] “(I make it) About half past three.” ▪ I make the distance back to camp about four miles. = I make it about four miles back to camp.
15 a [+ obj] : to be used to produce (something) ▪ Rags make the best paper. b [linking verb] : to be suited for use as (something) ▪ This new building would make [=be] a fine school. c [linking verb] : to be or become (something) ▪ She and her boyfriend make [=are] a lovely couple. ▪ She will make a fine judge one day. ▪ She made [=was] a loving wife to him. = She made him a loving wife.
16 [+ obj] : to arrive at (a place) ▪ The ship made port today.
17 [+ obj] : to earn or gain (money, a profit, etc.) ▪ He makes $50,000 a year. ▪ She makes a good salary. ▪ Their products are so inexpensive I don't know how they make a profit. ▪ She made $100 on the deal. = The deal made $100 for her. = The deal made her $100. ▪ He makes a/his living by doing small jobs. ▪ He made a/his fortune in the stock market.
18 [+ obj] a : to be accepted as a member of (a group, team, etc.) ▪ She's finally made the team. b : to appear on or in (a newspaper, a headline, etc.) ▪ The story of his accident made the front page of the paper. ▪ The story made headlines all across the country. c chiefly US : to be promoted to (a level or rank) ▪ My uncle is in the army. He made major last year.
19 [+ obj] sports a : to succeed in doing (something that you attempt) ▪ I missed the first foul shot but made the second one. ▪ He has to make this putt to win the tournament. —opposite miss b : to produce (a particular score) ▪ She made a 6 on the second hole. ▪ He made a birdie/bogey.
20 [+ obj] a : to not be too late for (something) ▪ They (just/barely) made the deadline. ▪ We got to the station just in time to make the train. —opposite miss b : to reach or go to (a place) ▪ We made [=reached] Atlanta in just under two hours. c : to succeed in reaching or going to (something) ▪ The team made [=qualified for] the play-offs last year. ▪ I don't know if I'll be able to make that meeting. —opposite miss
21 [+ obj] : to act in a way that causes someone to be your friend, enemy, etc. ▪ She makes friends easily. ▪ He made a few enemies when he worked here.
22 [+ obj] : to cause the success of (someone or something) ▪ This film could make or break her career. [=the success or failure of her career could depend on the success or failure of this film] —see also make-or-break
23 [+ obj] : to cause (something) to be enjoyable, attractive, etc. ▪ The bright paint really makes the room! ▪ Meeting the star of the show really made our day!
24 [no obj] old-fashioned + literary : to seem to begin an action ▪ She made to go. = She made as if to go. [=she moved in a way that suggested she was going]
2 [+ obj] : to cause (something) to exist, happen, or appear ▪ Someone was making a disturbance. ▪ The car's engine has been making a strange noise lately. ▪ The rock made a dent in the car's fender. ▪ I'm not trying to make trouble. ▪ The typist made a mistake. ▪ I called the doctor's office to make an appointment. ▪ They moved over and made room for her. ▪ I want to make a good home for my children.
3 [+ obj] : to create or write (something) in an official or legal way ▪ The government should make laws to protect poor people. ▪ I don't make the rules; I just follow them. ▪ You should make a will.
4 [+ obj] : to produce, direct, or act in (something, such as a movie) ▪ a director who has made some classic films ▪ That actor has made many films.
5 [+ obj] : to cause (something or someone) to be changed in a specified way ▪ They adapted a Russian play and made the setting Dublin rather than Moscow. ▪ We originally planned on a one-week vacation, but we decided to make it two weeks instead. ▪ The experience made him a cynic. = The experience made a cynic (out) of him. = The experience made [=changed, turned] him into a cynic. ▪ I'd like a hamburger. No, wait—make that a cheeseburger.
6 [+ obj] : to cause (something or someone) to have a specified quality, feeling, etc. ▪ A good teacher makes learning enjoyable. ▪ She made what she wanted clear to us. = She made (it) clear to us what she wanted. [=she said or showed clearly what she wanted] ▪ He made it understood/known that he expected us to help. ▪ The experience made him cynical. ▪ Working in the garden makes me very tired. ▪ It makes me sad to think that the summer is ending. ▪ The photograph makes me seem/look fat. ◊To make yourself useful means to do something useful. ▪ Why don't you make yourself useful by washing the dishes? ◊To make yourself heard/understood (etc.) means to do what is necessary to be sure that people hear you, understand you, etc. ▪ The music was so loud that she could hardly make herself heard. ▪ She doesn't speak French well, but she can make herself understood.
7 [+ obj] : to cause (something) to be or become something ▪ A good teacher makes learning a pleasure. = A good teacher makes it a pleasure to learn. ▪ Yes, you can leave work early today, but don't make it a habit. ▪ The bright paint really makes the room come alive!
8 [+ obj] a : to cause (someone) to do something ▪ He yelled at her and made her cry. ▪ How can I make you understand that I love you?! b : to force (someone) to do something ▪ We have to find a way to make them work faster. ▪ They made me wait for an hour. ▪ If he doesn't want to do it, we can't make him (do it). ▪ They used threats to make her do it. = She was made to do it by the use of threats.
9 [+ obj] : to give a particular job, title, status, etc., to (someone) ▪ They made him (the) Emperor. ▪ They made her a member of their club. = She was made a member of their club.
10 [+ obj] : to perform (a particular action) ▪ He made a bow. [=he bowed] ▪ We made [=took] a detour to avoid traffic. ▪ They made [=got] an early start. [=they started early] ▪ I have to make a (telephone) call to my boss. [=I have to call/telephone my boss] ▪ May I make a suggestion? [=may I suggest something?] ▪ “Make love, not war!” shouted the demonstrators. ▪ I'm not used to making [=giving] speeches. ▪ They made a bet [=they bet] that she would win. ▪ Don't make any sudden movements. ▪ They made a contribution. [=they contributed] ▪ We should make a distinction between them. ▪ She made a promise to him. = She made him a promise. ▪ He made note of her address. ▪ Time is running out. You'll have to make a decision soon.
11 [+ obj] : to form (a plan) in your mind ▪ Have you made any plans for your vacation?
12 [+ obj] : to arrange the blankets and sheets on (a bed) so that the mattress is covered ▪ She always makes the bed after she gets up in the morning.
13 [+ obj] : to prepare (food or drink) ▪ Let me make dinner for you. = Let me make you dinner. ▪ Can I make you a drink? ▪ I'll make the pasta if you make the salad. ▪ She made a cake for her daughter's birthday.
14 a [linking verb] —used to indicate a total ▪ That makes the third time you've said the same thing! ▪ I've lost again! That makes $3 I owe you. ▪ “I'm hungry.” “That makes two of us.” [=I'm hungry too] b [+ obj] : to be equal to (an amount) ▪ Three plus two make/makes [=equals, totals] five. c [+ obj] : to calculate (an amount, total, etc.) ▪ “What do you make the time?” [=what do you think the time is?] “(I make it) About half past three.” ▪ I make the distance back to camp about four miles. = I make it about four miles back to camp.
15 a [+ obj] : to be used to produce (something) ▪ Rags make the best paper. b [linking verb] : to be suited for use as (something) ▪ This new building would make [=be] a fine school. c [linking verb] : to be or become (something) ▪ She and her boyfriend make [=are] a lovely couple. ▪ She will make a fine judge one day. ▪ She made [=was] a loving wife to him. = She made him a loving wife.
16 [+ obj] : to arrive at (a place) ▪ The ship made port today.
17 [+ obj] : to earn or gain (money, a profit, etc.) ▪ He makes $50,000 a year. ▪ She makes a good salary. ▪ Their products are so inexpensive I don't know how they make a profit. ▪ She made $100 on the deal. = The deal made $100 for her. = The deal made her $100. ▪ He makes a/his living by doing small jobs. ▪ He made a/his fortune in the stock market.
18 [+ obj] a : to be accepted as a member of (a group, team, etc.) ▪ She's finally made the team. b : to appear on or in (a newspaper, a headline, etc.) ▪ The story of his accident made the front page of the paper. ▪ The story made headlines all across the country. c chiefly US : to be promoted to (a level or rank) ▪ My uncle is in the army. He made major last year.
19 [+ obj] sports a : to succeed in doing (something that you attempt) ▪ I missed the first foul shot but made the second one. ▪ He has to make this putt to win the tournament. —opposite miss b : to produce (a particular score) ▪ She made a 6 on the second hole. ▪ He made a birdie/bogey.
20 [+ obj] a : to not be too late for (something) ▪ They (just/barely) made the deadline. ▪ We got to the station just in time to make the train. —opposite miss b : to reach or go to (a place) ▪ We made [=reached] Atlanta in just under two hours. c : to succeed in reaching or going to (something) ▪ The team made [=qualified for] the play-offs last year. ▪ I don't know if I'll be able to make that meeting. —opposite miss
21 [+ obj] : to act in a way that causes someone to be your friend, enemy, etc. ▪ She makes friends easily. ▪ He made a few enemies when he worked here.
22 [+ obj] : to cause the success of (someone or something) ▪ This film could make or break her career. [=the success or failure of her career could depend on the success or failure of this film] —see also make-or-break
23 [+ obj] : to cause (something) to be enjoyable, attractive, etc. ▪ The bright paint really makes the room! ▪ Meeting the star of the show really made our day!
24 [no obj] old-fashioned + literary : to seem to begin an action ▪ She made to go. = She made as if to go. [=she moved in a way that suggested she was going]
make a face —see 1face
make away with [phrasal verb]
make away with (something) literary : to steal and take away (something) ▪ Someone had made away with [=made off with] all the money.
make believe —see believe
make do
: to proceed or do what you can with the things that you have even though you do not have what you want ▪ They didn't have much money but they somehow managed to make do. —often + with ▪ If we can't get what we want, we'll just have to make do with what we've got. —often + without ▪ If we don't have carrots for the soup, we'll just have to make do without them.
make eyes at —see 1eye
make for [phrasal verb]
make for (something) 1 : to go toward (a place) quickly ▪ Everyone made for [=headed for] the exit as soon as the show was over. ▪ After he left the office he made straight for home.
2 : to cause (something) to happen or to be more likely ▪ Courtesy makes for safer driving.
2 : to cause (something) to happen or to be more likely ▪ Courtesy makes for safer driving.
make friends —see friend
make it
1 : to reach a particular place, goal, etc. ▪ The ship made it to port. ▪ You'll never make it that far. ▪ The climbers finally made it to the top of the mountain. ▪ Welcome to the party. I'm glad you could make it! = Welcome! I'm glad you could make it to the party! ▪ The story made it to the front page. [=the story appeared on the front page] ▪ She's finally made it onto the team. [=she finally was accepted on the team] ▪ If we hurry, we can still make it home before dark.
2 : to not fail, die, etc. : survive ▪ Many new businesses don't make it through their first year. ▪ He's very sick. The doctor doesn't think he's going to make it.
3 : to become successful ▪ It's tough to succeed in this business, but if you work hard I know you'll make it eventually. ▪ He made it big [=became very successful] in real estate.
4 chiefly US informal : to have sex ▪ His girlfriend caught him making it with another girl.
2 : to not fail, die, etc. : survive ▪ Many new businesses don't make it through their first year. ▪ He's very sick. The doctor doesn't think he's going to make it.
3 : to become successful ▪ It's tough to succeed in this business, but if you work hard I know you'll make it eventually. ▪ He made it big [=became very successful] in real estate.
4 chiefly US informal : to have sex ▪ His girlfriend caught him making it with another girl.
make like
US informal 1 : to pretend to be (someone or something) ▪ He made like a rooster and strutted across the stage.
2 : to act in a way that does not show your true feelings ▪ He made like [=acted like] he didn't care.
2 : to act in a way that does not show your true feelings ▪ He made like [=acted like] he didn't care.
make love —see 1love
make merry —see merry
make much of
: to treat (something) as very important ▪ In talking about his past, the book makes much of the influence of his brother. [=the book says that his brother's influence was very important] ▪ She tends to make far too much of her problems. ▪ You shouldn't make too much of what he said—he was only joking.
make nice —see nice
make of [phrasal verb]
1 make (something) of (something or someone) : to have or form an opinion about (something or someone) ▪ What do you make of this? [=what is your opinion about this?] ▪ I can't make anything of it at all. ▪ I don't know what to make of her behavior. [=I don't understand her behavior] ▪ He's a strange guy. I don't know quite what to make of him.
2 make (a day, night, etc.) of it : to continue with an enjoyable activity during all of (a day, night, etc.) ▪ Since we're going out to dinner anyway, let's make an evening of it and go to a movie afterward.
3 make something of (yourself or your life) : to become successful ▪ She has worked very hard to make something of herself. ▪ He wants to make something of his life. [=to have a successful and productive life]
4 make something of it informal : to treat something as a reason for arguing or being angry —used in speech as an angry way of telling someone that you are prepared to fight or argue about something ▪ Yes, I got home late last night. Do you want to make something of it? [=do you want to argue/fight about it?] —see also make much of (above)
2 make (a day, night, etc.) of it : to continue with an enjoyable activity during all of (a day, night, etc.) ▪ Since we're going out to dinner anyway, let's make an evening of it and go to a movie afterward.
3 make something of (yourself or your life) : to become successful ▪ She has worked very hard to make something of herself. ▪ He wants to make something of his life. [=to have a successful and productive life]
4 make something of it informal : to treat something as a reason for arguing or being angry —used in speech as an angry way of telling someone that you are prepared to fight or argue about something ▪ Yes, I got home late last night. Do you want to make something of it? [=do you want to argue/fight about it?] —see also make much of (above)
make off [phrasal verb]
1 chiefly Brit : to leave quickly especially in order to escape ▪ After taking the money, the thieves made off toward the main highway.
2 make off with (something) : to take or steal (something) and go away ▪ Someone broke into the office and made off with some valuable equipment.
2 make off with (something) : to take or steal (something) and go away ▪ Someone broke into the office and made off with some valuable equipment.
make out [phrasal verb]
1 make (something) out or make out (something) : to write down the required information on (something, such as a check) ▪ He made out a check for $100 to cover the cost of the repairs. ▪ make out [=fill out] a form ▪ The doctor will make out a prescription for you. = The doctor will make you out a prescription. ▪ She made out a shopping list before going to the grocery store.
2 make (something) out or make out (something) a : to see and identify (something) ▪ We could just make out a ship approaching through the fog. b : to hear and understand (something) ▪ I couldn't quite make out what she said. c : to learn or understand (something) by studying, searching, etc. ▪ I can't quite make out [=tell] whether he's drunk or sober. ▪ We're still trying to make out [=find out, figure out] what really happened.
3 make (someone) out informal : to understand the behavior of (someone) —used in negative statements ▪ I just can't make him out [=figure him out]—he's so contradictory.
4 make (someone or something) out : to describe (someone or something) in a specified and usually false way ▪ The book makes them out to be criminals. ▪ Don't make them out as worse than they are. ▪ He's not as bad as he's made out (to be). = He's not as bad as people make him out (to be).
5 informal —used to ask about or describe the success or progress of someone or something ▪ “How are you making out [=doing, getting along] in your new job?” “Just fine, thank you!” ▪ “How did the team make out yesterday?” “They won.” ▪ (US) He made out like a bandit [=he made a lot of money] when he sold the company.
6 chiefly US informal : to kiss and touch for a long time in a sexual way ▪ She was making out [=(old-fashioned) necking] with her boyfriend.
2 make (something) out or make out (something) a : to see and identify (something) ▪ We could just make out a ship approaching through the fog. b : to hear and understand (something) ▪ I couldn't quite make out what she said. c : to learn or understand (something) by studying, searching, etc. ▪ I can't quite make out [=tell] whether he's drunk or sober. ▪ We're still trying to make out [=find out, figure out] what really happened.
3 make (someone) out informal : to understand the behavior of (someone) —used in negative statements ▪ I just can't make him out [=figure him out]—he's so contradictory.
4 make (someone or something) out : to describe (someone or something) in a specified and usually false way ▪ The book makes them out to be criminals. ▪ Don't make them out as worse than they are. ▪ He's not as bad as he's made out (to be). = He's not as bad as people make him out (to be).
5 informal —used to ask about or describe the success or progress of someone or something ▪ “How are you making out [=doing, getting along] in your new job?” “Just fine, thank you!” ▪ “How did the team make out yesterday?” “They won.” ▪ (US) He made out like a bandit [=he made a lot of money] when he sold the company.
6 chiefly US informal : to kiss and touch for a long time in a sexual way ▪ She was making out [=(old-fashioned) necking] with her boyfriend.
make over [phrasal verb]
1 make (something or someone) over or make over (something or someone) : to change the appearance of (something or someone) ▪ We made the whole house over so it looked more modern. —see also makeover
2 make (something) over or make over (something) : to give (property) to another person in an official or legal way ▪ He made the ranch/shares over to his eldest son.
2 make (something) over or make over (something) : to give (property) to another person in an official or legal way ▪ He made the ranch/shares over to his eldest son.
make up [phrasal verb]
1 make (something) up or make up (something) : to create or invent (a story, a lie, etc.) ▪ He entertained the children by making up a funny story about a cat that lived on a sailboat. ▪ He made up some excuse about having problems with his car, but no one believed him. ▪ It never happened: you made it all up! ▪ He didn't have a prepared speech. He just made it up as he went along. —see also made-up
2 make (something) up or make up (something) a : to combine to produce (something) ▪ Ten chapters make up this volume. = This volume is made up [=composed] of 10 chapters. b : to produce or create (something) by putting together different parts ▪ They're going to make up a list of requirements for us. = They're going to make us up a list of requirements. c : to prepare (something) so that it is ready to be used ▪ I'll make up a bed for you. = I'll make you up a bed. [=I'll prepare a bed for you to sleep in] d Brit : to supply (something) according to directions ▪ make up [=(US) fill] a prescription
3 make (something) up or make up (something) : to provide an amount of time, money, etc., that is needed ▪ The total cost of the repairs is $200. If you can pay half of that, I'll make up the rest. ▪ I'll make up the difference. ▪ I have to leave work early today, but I'll make up the time by working late tomorrow.
4 make up (someone or something) or make (someone or something) up a : to put makeup on (someone or someone's face) ▪ She made herself up for the party. ▪ Her face was heavily made up. [=there was a lot of makeup on her face] —see also made-up b : to change the appearance of (someone or something) by using costumes, decorations, etc. ▪ The actor was made up to look like George Washington. ▪ The room was made up to look like a disco.
5 informal : to become friendly again after being angry ▪ They quarreled but later made up (with each other). ▪ He made up with his girlfriend. ▪ (chiefly Brit) She's trying to make it up with him.
6 make up for (something) : to do or have something as a way of correcting or improving (something else) ▪ He wanted to make up for [=atone for] neglecting his children by spending more time with them. ▪ She tried to make up for lost time by working extra hard. ▪ What the movie lacks in plot it makes up for in special effects.
7 make up to (someone) Brit informal + disapproving : to treat (someone) in a very friendly or helpful way in order to get something for yourself ▪ an employee who's always making up to [=(US, informal) sucking up to] the boss
8 make it up to (someone) : to do something helpful or good for (someone you have hurt or treated wrongly) ▪ He'd neglected his children and wanted to make it up to them by spending more time with them.
2 make (something) up or make up (something) a : to combine to produce (something) ▪ Ten chapters make up this volume. = This volume is made up [=composed] of 10 chapters. b : to produce or create (something) by putting together different parts ▪ They're going to make up a list of requirements for us. = They're going to make us up a list of requirements. c : to prepare (something) so that it is ready to be used ▪ I'll make up a bed for you. = I'll make you up a bed. [=I'll prepare a bed for you to sleep in] d Brit : to supply (something) according to directions ▪ make up [=(US) fill] a prescription
3 make (something) up or make up (something) : to provide an amount of time, money, etc., that is needed ▪ The total cost of the repairs is $200. If you can pay half of that, I'll make up the rest. ▪ I'll make up the difference. ▪ I have to leave work early today, but I'll make up the time by working late tomorrow.
4 make up (someone or something) or make (someone or something) up a : to put makeup on (someone or someone's face) ▪ She made herself up for the party. ▪ Her face was heavily made up. [=there was a lot of makeup on her face] —see also made-up b : to change the appearance of (someone or something) by using costumes, decorations, etc. ▪ The actor was made up to look like George Washington. ▪ The room was made up to look like a disco.
5 informal : to become friendly again after being angry ▪ They quarreled but later made up (with each other). ▪ He made up with his girlfriend. ▪ (chiefly Brit) She's trying to make it up with him.
6 make up for (something) : to do or have something as a way of correcting or improving (something else) ▪ He wanted to make up for [=atone for] neglecting his children by spending more time with them. ▪ She tried to make up for lost time by working extra hard. ▪ What the movie lacks in plot it makes up for in special effects.
7 make up to (someone) Brit informal + disapproving : to treat (someone) in a very friendly or helpful way in order to get something for yourself ▪ an employee who's always making up to [=(US, informal) sucking up to] the boss
8 make it up to (someone) : to do something helpful or good for (someone you have hurt or treated wrongly) ▪ He'd neglected his children and wanted to make it up to them by spending more time with them.
make up your mind —see 1mind
make your way, make way —see 1way
—see also made