Antonyms for make


Grammar : Verb
Spell : meyk
Phonetic Transcription : meɪk


Definition of make

Origin :
  • Old English macian "to make, form, construct, do; prepare, arrange, cause; behave, fare, transform," from West Germanic *makon "to fashion, fit" (cf. Old Saxon makon, Old Frisian makia "to build, make," Middle Dutch and Dutch maken, Old High German mahhon "to construct, make," German machen "to make"), from PIE *mag- "to knead, mix; to fashion, fit" (see macerate). If so, sense evolution perhaps is via prehistoric houses built of mud. Gradually replaced the main Old English word, gewyrcan (see work (v.)).
  • Meaning "to arrive at" (a place), first attested 1620s, originally was nautical. Formerly used in many places where specific verbs now are used, e.g. to make Latin (c.1500) "to write Latin compositions." This broader usage survives in some phrases, e.g. to make water "to urinate," to make a book "arrange a series of bets" (1828), make hay "to turn over mown grass to expose it to sun." Make the grade is 1912, perhaps from the notion of railway engines going up an incline.
  • Read the valuable suggestions in Dr. C.V. Mosby's book -- be prepared to surmount obstacles before you encounter them -- equipped with the power to "make the grade" in life's climb. [advertisement for "Making the Grade," December 1916]
  • But the phrase also was in use in a schoolwork context at the time. Make do "manage with what is available" is attested from 1867. Make time "go fast" is 1849; make tracks in this sense is from 1834. To make a federal case out of (something) popularized in 1959 movie "Anatomy of a Murder;" to make an offer (one) can't refuse is from Mario Puzo's 1969 novel "The Godfather." To make (one's) day is from 1909; menacing make my day is from 1971, popularized by Clint Eastwood in film "Sudden Impact" (1983). Related: Made; making.
  • verb create, build
  • verb induce, compel
  • verb designate, appoint
  • verb enact, execute
  • verb add up to; constitute
  • verb estimate, infer
  • verb earn, acquire
  • verb arrive, aim at
Example sentences :
  • He seemed to make a strong effort to check some sudden impulse.
  • Extract from : « Philothea » by Lydia Maria Child
  • You know that Milbrey girl must get her effrontery direct from where they make it.
  • Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson
  • Did he tell you how to make a lovely asparagus short-cake or something?
  • Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson
  • But the Lacedæmonians make it a rule never to speak of danger from their slaves.
  • Extract from : « Philothea » by Lydia Maria Child
  • I believe he has given the Athenians philtres to make them love him.
  • Extract from : « Philothea » by Lydia Maria Child
  • It looks as if the dew was on it; but the tears will not make it grow again—will they?
  • Extract from : « Philothea » by Lydia Maria Child
  • A gentle strain of music, scarcely audible, seemed to make reply.
  • Extract from : « Philothea » by Lydia Maria Child
  • He was of the make that wears unbending hope as its birthright.
  • Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson
  • It takes a man with some of the brains your pa had to make the game pay now.
  • Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson
  • Do this up to the limit of your capital and I will make good anything you lose.
  • Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson

Synonyms for make

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019