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Phrasal verb

Hang Out

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Silhouettes of people hanging upside down from ropes in an aerial acrobatics studio, illustrating the slang phrase hang out with the example I just want to hang out with my mates all weekend

Phrasal Verb – Hang out.

Meaning

To spend free time with someone, or somewhere, without doing anything special. It can also mean spending time with certain people regularly: “She’s been hanging out with Jack a lot lately.”

Hang out is a phrasal verb, and it is not separable – you hang out with someone or at a place. The noun hangout (one word) means a place where people like to spend time: “That café is our favourite hangout.”

This phrasal verb also has a literal meaning. You can hang your washing out, which means to hang it outside to dry.

If you can’t hang out with someone, you might have to take a rain check (idiom) – a polite way to decline an invitation while suggesting you’ll accept another time.

Example:

  • “What are you doing tonight? Do you fancy hanging out with us at the park?”

Learn More

Look it upHang outWiktionary

What is a phrasal verb?

A phrasal verb is a verb combined with 1 or 2 small words. These small words are particles. A particle can be a preposition or adverb. The phrasal verb has a different meaning from the verb alone because the particle changes the meaning of the verb.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “hang out” mean?

To spend relaxed free time with someone or somewhere, without doing anything in particular.

What is the difference between “hang out” and “hangout”?

“Hang out” (two words) is the verb. “Hangout” (one word) is a noun meaning a place where people often spend time.

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