bring out — elicit response
phrasal verbC1IELTS 7+neutraloccasional
to cause a particular reaction, feeling, or behaviour in someone, especially in a way that reveals their true character or emotions.
Say it like a native
Textbook Stressful situations cause the worst aspects of his character to emerge.
Native Stress really brings out the worst in him.
'Bring out the best/worst in someone' is the set phrase; the paraphrase is clunky.
Pattern: bring out the [best/worst/true nature] in someone
In use
- The intense competition brought out the best in her, pushing her to achieve more than she thought possible.character
- Group projects can bring out a range of responses in students, from strong leadership skills to unexpected conflicts.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ She brings out the best of me.
✓ She brings out the best in me.
'Bring out the best/worst IN someone', not 'of'.
Common collocations
bring out the best/worst in— the best, the worst, a side of, in someone
Don't confuse it
Unlike the B2 sense, which is about making a quality noticeable, this sense focuses on provoking or eliciting a reaction or behaviour, often in response to a situation or another person.
Related
- bring out (release a product) — 'bring out' also has the more basic meaning 'release a product'; this is the advanced sense.