Meaning trap
bring out
elicit response
to cause a particular reaction, feeling, or behaviour in someone, especially in a way that reveals their true character or emotions.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to cause a particular reaction, feeling, or behaviour in someone, especially in a way that reveals their true character or emotions.
'bring out' also has the more basic meaning 'release a product'; this is the advanced sense.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- 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
Fix the pattern
Pattern: bring out the [best/worst/true nature] in someone
WrongShe brings out the best of me.
RightShe brings out the best in me.
'Bring out the best/worst IN someone', not 'of'.
Patternbring out the [best/worst/true nature] in someone
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Bring out the best/worst in someone' is the set phrase; the paraphrase is clunky.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
bring out the best/worst inthe bestthe worsta side ofin 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.