Phrasal verb
give off
Meanings
To release heat, light, smoke, or a smell into the air.
To create or project a particular feeling or impression.
Definition
To give off means to produce or release something such as heat, light, a smell, or a feeling.
When something gives off heat, light, or a smell, it releases it into the air around it. People and places can also give off a particular feeling or impression. This phrasal verb is often used for things you can sense, like warmth, perfume, or an atmosphere.
Examples
- This candle gives off a warm, vanilla scent.
- The old radiator gives off heat even after I turn it down.
- Her confident posture gives off a professional vibe in meetings.
- Those flowers give off a strong smell when you bring them indoors.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes say "give out" when they mean release a smell or heat; use "give off" for emitting, not distributing.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.