Definition

Phrasal Verb: * To cause or result in something; to contribute to a particular outcome or situation. This is the primary meaning, indicating that an action or event leads to a specific consequence. * To move toward something; to head in the direction of something. This is a less common but still valid meaning, referring to physical movement toward a destination.

Usage Examples

• Cause/Result in:
  • Open communication makes for a healthier relationship.
  • His constant lateness made for a very awkward start to the meeting.
  • These bright colors make for a cheerful room.
• Move toward:
  • When the storm started, we made for the nearest shelter.
  • The ship made for the open sea.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used to describe how qualities, actions, or circumstances combine to produce a general result or atmosphere. It is frequently used in the structure: "[Thing A] makes for [Thing B]."
• It is commonly used in the present simple tense to state a general truth or in the past simple to describe a specific outcome.

Variants and Related Words

• Make (verb): The base verb with many meanings, including to create, construct, or cause.
• Make up for (phrasal verb): To compensate for something.
  • He worked overtime to make up for his mistake.

Synonyms

• Lead to: To result in.
• Result in: To cause something to happen.
• Contribute to: To help cause or bring about.
• Head for: To move toward (for the movement meaning).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Make of: To understand or interpret the meaning of.
  • What do you make of his strange behavior?
• Make out: To manage to see, hear, or understand; to succeed.
  • I can't make out what this letter says.
• Make up: To invent; to reconcile after an argument; to constitute.
  • She made up a funny story for the children.

Verb

1. cause to happen or to occur as a consequence
   • I cannot work a miracle
   • wreak havoc
   • bring comments
   • play a joke
   • The rain brought relief to the drought-stricken area