making

Meanings

1. 1noununcountable

   The act or process of creating, producing, or forming something.

   Grammar: Uncountable when referring to the process in general: the making of the film. Can be countable in phrases like 'a making of' (a documentary about how something was made).

   Patterns

   • the making of something
   • in the making
   • be the making of someone

   The making of this cake takes about an hour.

   She was involved in the making of the new policy.

   The documentary shows the making of the animated film.

2. 2noununcountable

   The qualities or training that prepare someone for a particular role or success.

   Grammar: Often used in phrases like 'be the making of someone' or 'have the makings of something'.

   Patterns

   • be the making of someone
   • have the makings of something

   His first job was the making of him as a leader.

   The team has the makings of a champion.

Word forms

Common combinations

in the making

The young athlete is a star in the making.

the making of

The making of the film took three years.

be the making of someone

That difficult experience was the making of her.

have the makings of

This project has the makings of a great success.

Synonyms and how they differ

creation

Creation is more formal and often refers to bringing something entirely new into existence; making is more general and everyday.

production

Production often refers to manufacturing on a large scale, while making can be small-scale or personal.

Opposites

Word family

make verb

To create or produce something.

maker noun

A person or thing that makes something.

Commonly confused: making or makeing?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “making”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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