# give off

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/give-off
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

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

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

## Examples

- The old cheese gives off a very strong smell.
- The heater gives off enough warmth to keep the entire small cabin cozy during the winter.
- Certain species of fungi give off a faint bioluminescent glow that is only visible in complete darkness.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The flower gives out a sweet smell." but "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.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.