Quick Definition
Put Off — To postpone something; to cause someone to lose interest or feel reluctant.
Meanings of Put Off
| Meaning | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Postpone | She put the meeting off until next week. | She delayed it. |
| Discourage / repel | The smell put me off eating. | It made me not want to eat. |
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Meaning in Context |
|---|---|
| She put the meeting off until next week. | She delayed it. |
| The smell put me off eating. | It made me not want to eat. |
| "Don't worry -- I'll put off it." | Using it in a short reassurance. |
| She decided to put off the whole situation. | Applying the phrasal verb in context. |
Grammar Notes
Separability & Transitivity
Type: separable | Transitivity: transitive
Transitive and separable: put the meeting off or put off the meeting. Pronoun before particle: put it off.
How to Use Put Off
Neutral. The 'postpone' sense is used widely. The 'repel' sense is more informal.
| Register | Example / Notes |
|---|---|
| Informal / Spoken | She put the meeting off until next week. |
| Neutral / Written | Consider context; single-word synonyms may suit formal writing. |
Similar Phrasal Verbs
Practise Put Off
Practice English Phrasal Verbs
Use these exercises to master phrasal verbs in context:
Frequently Asked Questions about Put Off
What does "Put Off" mean?
"Put Off" means: To postpone something; to cause someone to lose interest or feel reluctant. It is a transitive phrasal verb rated CEFR B1.
Is "Put Off" separable or inseparable?
"Put Off" is separable. Transitive and separable: put the meeting off or put off the meeting. Pronoun before particle: put it off.
How do I use "Put Off" in a sentence?
She put the meeting off until next week. -- in this example, 'Put Off' means she delayed it.
What is the register of "Put Off"?
Neutral. The 'postpone' sense is used widely. The 'repel' sense is more informal.
What CEFR level is "Put Off"?
"Put Off" is typically taught at CEFR B1 — Intermediate level. It appears frequently in neutral contexts.
What is the difference between "Put Off" and similar phrasal verbs?
"Put Off" specifically means: To postpone something; to cause someone to lose interest or feel reluctant. Compare with similar verbs in the 'Similar Phrasal Verbs' section below for nuanced differences.
Can "Put Off" be used formally?
Neutral. The 'postpone' sense is used widely. The 'repel' sense is more informal. When writing formally, consider whether a single-word synonym might be more appropriate for the context.
Does "Put Off" take an object?
"Put Off" is transitive. Transitive and separable: put the meeting off or put off the meeting. Pronoun before particle: put it off.
How can I practise "Put Off"?
Use LexFizz's Find the Match and Flip Tiles exercises to practise 'Put Off' in context. Seeing it in multiple sentences helps the meaning stick.
Is "Put Off" used in British or American English?
"Put Off" is used in both British and American English, though register and frequency may vary. Neutral. The 'postpone' sense is used widely. The 'repel' sense is more informal.