bring out — 3 meanings

One phrase, 3 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb3 meanings

bring out

1release a product 2make a quality noticeable 3elicit response

Meaning 1 · most common

release a product

bring out sth

to produce something new and make it available for people to buy or use.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Apple is planning to bring out a new smartphone next month.

A: Did you hear that the bakery is bringing out a new type of cake?
B: Really? I can't wait to try it!

Common mistake

Not: Apple brought out ~~with~~ a new phone.

Say: Apple brought out a new phone.

'Bring out' takes the object directly — no 'with'.

More on “release a product”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If I owned a business, I would try to bring out innovative products every year to attract more customers.

Tell it apart

They've brought out a new phone.

launched it for sale

They've brought back an old model.

reintroduced it

Goes with

bring out + product

Practice saying this

Next meaning: make a quality noticeable

Meaning 2

make a quality noticeable

bring out sth

to make a particular quality, ability, or emotion more obvious or easy to see in someone or something.

How oftenCommon

LevelB2

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Her teacher really knows how to bring out the best in her students.

A: That color really brings out your eyes.
B: Thanks! I chose it for that reason.

Common mistake

Not: That blue shirt brings out of your eyes.

Say: That blue shirt brings out your eyes.

'Bring out' takes the object directly — no 'of'.

More on “make a quality noticeable”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Good managers can bring out the strengths of their team members, which helps the company succeed.

Tell it apart

That colour brings out your eyes.

makes them stand out

That colour washes you out.

makes you look pale and drained

Goes with

bring out + quality

Practice saying this

Next meaning: elicit response

Meaning 3

elicit response

bring out the sth in sb

to cause a particular reaction, feeling, or behaviour in someone, especially in a way that reveals their true character or emotions.

How oftenNow and then

LevelC1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

The intense competition brought out the best in her, pushing her to achieve more than she thought possible.

A: I don't know why he was so rude last night.
B: Sometimes stressful situations just bring out the worst in people.

Common mistake

Not: She brings out the best of me.

Say: She brings out the best in me.

'Bring out the best/worst IN someone', not 'of'.

More on “elicit response”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Group projects can bring out a range of responses in students, from strong leadership skills to unexpected conflicts.

Tell it apart

A crisis brings out the best in her.

draws out that quality

A crisis brings up old fears.

causes them to surface

Goes with

bring out the best/worst in

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which one is it?

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release a product make a quality noticeable elicit response