ENGLISH
REFERENCE

give off

phr. v..
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford General-service

phr. v.. to produce something like a smell, heat, or light and send it out into the air.

phr. v.. to emit or discharge a substance or quality, such as an odour, radiation, or a specific atmosphere; typically used with inanimate subjects.


SIMPLE

The old cheese gives off a very strong smell.

CONTEXTUAL

The heater gives off enough warmth to keep the entire small cabin cozy during the winter.

COMPLEX

Certain species of fungi give off a faint bioluminescent glow that is only visible in complete darkness.

Particles
off
Separability
optional
Pattern
give + off + object
Usage

usually takes an object like 'smell', 'heat', 'light', or 'vibe'.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'emit' for formal contexts; 'give off' is the standard choice for describing physical sensations or social 'vibes' in everyday speech.

Pitfall

The flower gives out a sweet smell.The flower gives off a sweet smell.'give out' usually means to stop working or to distribute things; 'give off' is the correct term for emitting smells or heat.

© 2026 English Reference