give off

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Explanation of "Give Off"

Definition:
The phrase "give off" means to send out or release something like light, heat, gas, or smell. It is often used to describe how something emits or produces a specific type of energy or substance.

Usage Instructions

• Structure: It is used as a verb and is often followed by the thing that is being emitted.
• Example Sentence: "The candle gives off a warm light."

Examples

1. Light/Heat: "The stove gives off a lot of heat when it's turned on."
2. Smell: "The flowers give off a sweet fragrance in the spring."
3. Gas: "The factory gives off smoke that can be harmful to the environment."

Advanced Usage

• In scientific contexts, you might hear phrases like "the chemical reaction gives off heat" or "the process gives off carbon dioxide."
• It can also be used metaphorically, such as "She gives off a positive energy," meaning she has a cheerful or uplifting presence.

Word Variants

• Noun Form: "Give-off" can be used as a noun when referring to the substance emitted. For example, "The give-off from the chemical reaction was dangerous."
• Adjective Form: "Giving-off" (as in "giving-off heat") can describe something that emits a certain substance.

Different Meanings

• "Give off" typically refers to physical emissions but can also describe the impression someone or something creates. For example, "He gives off an air of confidence."

Synonyms

• Emit
• Release
• Discharge

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• Phrasal Verb: "Give off" is a phrasal verb itself. Other related phrasal verbs include:
  • Give out: This means to distribute something, like "The teacher gave out the homework assignments."
  • Give away: This means to donate or reveal something, like "She gave away her old clothes to charity."

Summary

To "give off" means to release or emit something, such as light, heat, or a smell. It can be used in many contexts, from describing physical emissions to metaphorically describing a person's vibe or energy.

Academic

Verb

1. give off, send forth, or discharge; as of light, heat, or radiation, vapor, etc.
   • The ozone layer blocks some harmful rays which the sun emits
2. have as a by-product
   • The big cities gave off so many wonderful American qualities

Synonyms

• emit
• give out