make out

verb

1. tr to discern or perceive

   can you make out that house in the distance?

2. tr to understand or comprehend

   I can't make out this letter

3. tr to write out

   he made out a cheque

4. tr to attempt to establish or prove

   he made me out to be a liar

5. intr to pretend

   he made out that he could cook

6. intr to manage or fare

   how did you make out in the contest?

7. informal.
   introften foll bywith to engage in necking or petting

   Alan is making out with Jane

Example Sentences

This far back in time, some details are too fuzzy to make out.

From Los Angeles Times

The image was marred by interference, but Romeo thought he could make out twin vertical stabilizers on the tail.

From Los Angeles Times

The hearing loss wasn’t total: I could still hear loud noises clearly, like a ringing phone or a police siren, but I struggled to make out speech.

From Slate

In the legal complaint, Fergi — who lived in a home with Smith and Rockelle — alleged that she once saw Smith try to make out with Rockelle.

From Los Angeles Times

I could hear bits and pieces, but I couldn’t make out what they meant.

From Salon