work out
Short definition: The phrase work out means to solve a problem by thinking carefully, or to exercise physically to improve strength or fitness, depending on context.
Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the phrasal verb work out? This is a very common and flexible expression in English. It can mean exercising, solving a problem, developing successfully, or calculating something. Because it appears in many everyday situations, context is very important to understand the exact meaning. Below are detailed meanings with realistic examples so you can clearly understand how work out works in daily English.
Forms: work out, works out, worked out, working out
Related: exercise v., calculate v., solve v., succeed v.
Syllable: work-out
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(Verb) To exercise your body, especially at a gym or through physical training.
To work out most commonly means to exercise in order to improve fitness, strength, or overall health. It often refers to structured physical activity such as lifting weights, running, or following a workout routine.
She likes to work out at the gym three times a week to stay in shape.He worked out early in the morning before going to the office.If you work out regularly, you’ll likely feel more energetic.Synonyms: exercise, train, practice physically, lift weights, do cardio, stay active, condition body, build strength, train hard, engage in fitness, practice training, stay fit
Antonyms: stay inactive, sit around, be sedentary, avoid exercise, skip training, remain idle, rest excessively, neglect fitness, stop moving, lounge, avoid activity, lie around -
(Verb) To solve or figure out a problem.
Work out can also mean finding a solution to a problem by thinking carefully or calculating details. It suggests effort and reasoning before reaching an answer.
We need to work out a solution before the deadline.She finally worked out why the computer kept crashing.Let’s sit down and work out the details together.Synonyms: solve, figure out, calculate, determine, resolve, analyze, reason through, find answer, sort out, crack, decipher, compute
Antonyms: misunderstand, confuse, complicate, miscalculate, ignore problem, give up, abandon attempt, overlook solution, remain puzzled, fail to solve, misjudge, misinterpret -
(Verb) To develop or end in a particular way, often successfully.
Work out can describe how a situation turns out in the end. When something works out, it develops positively or successfully, even if it seemed uncertain at first.
Everything worked out fine despite the early problems.I hope things work out between you and your partner.The plan didn’t work out the way we expected.Synonyms: succeed, turn out well, go well, come together, end positively, function properly, be successful, progress smoothly, fall into place, turn out fine, go according to plan, achieve success
Antonyms: fail, fall apart, collapse, go wrong, backfire, turn out badly, break down, end poorly, flop, misfire, not succeed, disappoint -
(Verb) To calculate something mathematically.
In a more specific sense, work out can mean calculating numbers or figuring out mathematical results. It often appears in academic or practical contexts.
Can you work out the total cost including tax?He worked out the answer by doing the math step by step.We need to work out how much time we’ll need for the trip.Synonyms: calculate, compute, add up, total, determine numerically, solve mathematically, estimate, derive, tally, measure out, quantify, count up
Antonyms: guess randomly, miscalculate, ignore numbers, overlook figures, approximate poorly, miscount, skip calculation, estimate incorrectly, neglect math, avoid calculation, ignore totals, misjudge numbers