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make

v. · n.
US //ˈmeɪk// UK //mˈeɪk// make
Irregular verb past made past participle made
  1. 1 to create or produce (v.)
    A1 Beginner

    to create, build, or produce something.

    to bring something into existence by shaping material or combining parts.

    Example

    He decided to make a chocolate cake for his sister's birthday party.

    Example

    The artisan spent weeks learning how to make traditional pottery using local clay and ancient firing techniques.
  2. 2 to force or cause (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to force someone to do something, or to cause a specific result.

    to compel an action or cause a change in state; often used as a causative verb followed by a bare infinitive.

    Example

    The sad movie always makes me cry, no matter how many times I see it.

    Example

    The sudden change in regulations made it impossible for the company to continue its operations without significant restructuring.

    Usage

    In the active voice, 'make' is followed by an object and a bare infinitive (without 'to').
    Pitfall
    The teacher made us to stay late.
    The teacher made us stay late.

    After 'make' in the active voice, use the base verb without 'to'.

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  1. 3 to earn money (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to earn money from a job or an investment.

    to gain or acquire money through work, business, or investment.

    Example

    She hopes to make a lot of money after she finishes her medical degree.

    Example

    Despite the economic downturn, the startup managed to make a modest profit in its first year of operation.
  2. 4 to reach a place (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    to arrive at a place or attend an event, especially when it is difficult.

    to succeed in reaching a destination or attending a scheduled event.

    Example

    I'm sorry, but I don't think I can make it to your party on Friday.

    Example

    The hikers barely managed to make the summit before the heavy fog rolled in and obscured the trail.
  3. 5 to constitute or equal (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to add up to a total or to be the parts that form a whole.

    to serve as the components of a whole or to result in a specific sum.

    Example

    Two and two make four.

    Example

    These talented musicians make a great team when they perform together on stage.
  4. 6 to move toward (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to move quickly in a certain direction.

    to proceed or move toward a specific destination, often with haste.

    Example

    As soon as the rain started, everyone made for the nearest shelter.

    Example

    The fox spotted the hound and immediately made for the safety of the thick brush.

    Usage

    Usually followed by the preposition 'for'.
  5. 7 brand or manufacturer (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the brand of a product or the company that manufactured it.

    the brand, type, or origin of a manufactured product.

    Example

    What make of car do you drive?

    Example

    The mechanic asked for the make and model of the appliance before ordering the replacement parts.
  6. 8 police identification (n.)
    C1 Advanced Slang Law

    the act of identifying a person, usually by the police.

    a positive identification of a person or object, typically within a law enforcement context.

    Example

    The officer got a make on the suspect using the security camera footage.

    Example

    After running the fingerprints through the national database, the detectives finally got a make on the unidentified victim.
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