Phrasal Verb - Coming Out
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.Definition
The phrasal verb "come out" is highly versatile, carrying multiple distinct meanings depending on the context. Primarily, it can mean:
- To become known or revealed: This refers to information, secrets, news, or facts that were previously hidden or unknown and are now disclosed or made public. For example, "The truth about the hidden files eventually came out."
- To be released, published, or produced: This sense is used for new products, books, films, albums, software, or reports that are made available to the public. For instance, "Her latest novel is coming out next spring."
- To emerge or appear from an enclosed space: This describes the act of moving from an interior or hidden location into an open or visible one. Examples include people exiting a building, an animal leaving its den, or the sun appearing from behind clouds. "The sun finally came out after the heavy rain."
- To be removed, extracted, or detached, often with effort: This is typically used when a stain, mark, or an object (like a tooth or a splinter) is successfully taken out from something else. "I hope that difficult red wine stain comes out of the carpet."
- To publicly declare one's sexual orientation or gender identity: This is a significant social and personal usage, often referring to an individual's process of revealing their LGBTQ+ identity to family, friends, or the wider community. "It took him years to feel ready to come out to his family."
- To result or turn out in a particular way: This describes the final outcome, conclusion, or effect of a process, situation, or event. "Let's see how the final decision comes out."
- To bloom or open (of flowers): Used specifically to describe when flowers begin to open their petals and display their beauty. "The crocuses are just starting to come out in the garden."
- To express oneself clearly or directly: Less common, but can imply speaking frankly or without reservation about one's thoughts or feelings.
Examples
| No. | Example |
|---|---|
| 1 | The new smartphone model is coming out next month, and everyone's excited. |
| 2 | It's incredible how the truth always manages to come out eventually. |
| 3 | After an hour of scrubbing, the stubborn grease stain finally came out of the shirt. |
| 4 | Many people waited for the lead singer to come out after the concert for autographs. |
| 5 | Her decision to come out to her conservative family was incredibly brave. |
| 6 | We'll have to wait and see how the election results come out tonight. |
| 7 | All the daffodils are coming out, signaling the start of spring. |
| 8 | The details of the secret meeting came out in the newspaper yesterday. |
| 9 | He was worried about how the photos would come out after they were developed. |
| 10 | Please come out from behind the sofa; you can't hide forever! |