Definition

1. Verb (Transitive):

   • To solve or find an answer through calculation or reasoning: To find a solution to a mathematical problem, a puzzle, or a complex situation by thinking or calculating.
   • To develop or devise something in detail: To create, plan, or formulate something carefully and completely.
   • To understand or decipher: To figure out the meaning or nature of something.
   • To exercise the body or mind: To engage in physical or mental training.

2. Verb (Intransitive):

   • To happen or develop in a particular way, especially successfully: To progress or end with a specific result, often a good one.
   • To be calculated as a total or result: When numbers are combined, they produce a specific sum or amount.
   • To engage in physical exercise: To perform exercises, typically at a gym.

Usage Examples

• Verb (Transitive):

  • Can you work out this equation? (Solve)
  • We need to work out the details of the contract. (Develop/Devise)
  • I can't work out why he left. (Understand)
  • The trainer works out the athletes every morning. (Exercises)

• Verb (Intransitive):

  • Don't worry, everything will work out fine. (Happen successfully)
  • The total cost works out to about $50 per person. (Is calculated as)
  • She works out at the local fitness center three times a week. (Exercises)

Advanced Usage

• "to work something out (with someone)": To reach an agreement or settlement through discussion.
  • They managed to work out their differences.
• "to work out one's problems": To resolve one's personal or emotional issues.
  • He needed time alone to work out his problems.

Variants and Related Words

• Workout (n): A session of physical exercise.
  • She had a tough workout at the gym.
• Well-worked-out (adj): Carefully planned and developed.
  • It was a well-worked-out strategy.

Synonyms

• Solve, Calculate, Resolve (for finding an answer).
• Develop, Formulate, Plan (for creating something).
• Figure out, Decipher (for understanding).
• Exercise, Train (for physical activity).
• Succeed, Pan out, Turn out (for happening successfully).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Work through: To deal with a problem or difficult emotions gradually.
  • It took years to work through the grief.
• Work up: To develop or generate something, often a feeling or an idea.
  • He worked up the courage to speak.

Related Idioms

• "It will all work out (in the end)": An expression of optimism that a situation will resolve itself successfully.
  • Just be patient; it will all work out.
• "Work out for the best": To result in the most favorable outcome.
  • Even though it was hard, the move worked out for the best.

Verb

1. give a workout to
   • Some parents exercise their infants
   • My personal trainer works me hard
   • work one's muscles
   • this puzzle will exercise your mind
2. find the solution to (a problem or question) or understand the meaning of
   • did you solve the problem?
   • Work out your problems with the boss
   • this unpleasant situation isn't going to work itself out
   • did you get it?
   • Did you get my meaning?
   • He could not work the math problem
3. make a mathematical calculation or computation
4. be calculated
   • The fees work out to less than $1,000
5. do physical exercise
   • She works out in the gym every day
6. work out in detail
   • elaborate a plan
7. happen in a certain way, leading to, producing, or resulting in a certain outcome, often well
   • Things worked out in an interesting way
   • Not everything worked out in the end and we were disappointed
8. come up with
   • His colleagues worked out his interesting idea
   • We worked up an ad for our client