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What is the Meaning of “Make”?

Showing meaning 1 of 3 · Make has 3 distinct meanings in English.

Make
/meɪk/

To build, create, or produce something new by putting materials together.

Definition of Make (meaning 1 of 3 — verb)

Quick Meaning of Make

To build, create, or produce something new by putting materials together.

Detailed Definition of Make

To produce or bring something into existence by building, creating, or manufacturing.

How to Pronounce Make

IPA: /meɪk/
make

Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).

Tip: One long /eɪ/ vowel sound like in 'take' or 'cake'. Final 'k' is very soft.

Full pronunciation guide for “make” →

Other Meanings of Make

“Make” has 3 distinct meanings in English. You’re viewing meaning #1; here are the other 2:

How to Use Make in a Sentence

Each example shows “make” in the meaning “To build, create, or produce something new by…”, with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.

  • “I make breakfast every morning for my family.”
    A1 daily
  • “She makes beautiful clothes by hand.”
    A2 conversation
  • “This factory makes computers and electronic devices.”
    A2 formal

Synonyms and Antonyms of Make

Common Synonyms for Make

Smart Synonyms for Make — When to Use Each

create
when making something artistic or original
build
when constructing something physical with materials
produce
when manufacturing something in quantity

Antonyms of Make

See all synonyms for “make” →

Common Collocations with Make

These phrases pair with “make” in everyday English:

  • make food
  • make clothes
  • make something by hand
  • make a difference
  • make progress

Common Mistakes When Using Make

Even fluent speakers slip up with “make”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:

✗ Wrong: She make a beautiful cake yesterday.
✓ Correct: She made a beautiful cake yesterday.
Why: Use past tense 'made' not present 'make' with past time marker 'yesterday'.
✗ Wrong: They makes dinner together every day.
✓ Correct: They make dinner together every day.
Why: Plural subject 'they' requires 'make' not 'makes'; only third person singular uses 'makes'.

Other Forms of Make

Frequently Asked Questions About Make

What is the meaning of "Make"?

To build, create, or produce something new by putting materials together.

How do you pronounce "Make"?

The IPA is /meɪk/. One long /eɪ/ vowel sound like in 'take' or 'cake'. Final 'k' is very soft.

What part of speech is "Make"?

"Make" is a verb at A1 level (Common European Framework).

What are synonyms for "Make"?

Common synonyms include create, build, construct.

How do you use "Make" in a sentence?

For example: "I make breakfast every morning for my family."

Explore Make in Other Tools