Throw away: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ
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throw away

 

[ ฮธroสŠ ษ™หˆweษช ]

Phrasal verb
Context #1 | Phrasal verb

discard

To get rid of something that is no longer useful or wanted. It can be physical objects or abstract ideas. The action of throwing away implies permanently getting rid of something.

Synonyms

discard, dispose of, get rid of.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
throw away

Repeated entry, refer to the first instance for context and usage.

discard

Used in both casual and formal conversation, often in the context of removing or getting rid of something that is no longer needed or useful. It may also imply a certain level of carelessness or disregard.

  • You can discard the expired food in the fridge.
  • After reviewing all the options, they decided to discard the first plan.
dispose of

Often used in a more formal or official context, especially when referring to the proper or responsible way to get rid of something, particularly hazardous or large items.

  • Please dispose of your electronic waste at the designated centers.
  • The company had to dispose of the toxic chemicals safely.
get rid of

Common in everyday conversation and often used when someone wants to remove or eliminate something unwanted. This phrase is very versatile but informal.

  • I need to get rid of these old clothes.
  • They got rid of the unwanted furniture before moving.

Examples of usage

  • I decided to throw away all my old clothes and buy new ones.
  • She threw away her notes after the exam was over.
  • Don't just throw away your opportunities, make the most of them.
  • We need to learn to throw away negative thoughts and focus on the positive.
  • It's time to throw away the past and start fresh.
Context #2 | Phrasal verb

waste

To waste an opportunity or potential. It implies not making good use of something valuable or beneficial.

Synonyms

miss out on, squander, waste.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
throw away

Same as the first entry, it refers to discarding something that is no longer useful or wanted.

  • Every year, people throw away tons of plastic waste.
  • She threw away all the broken toys.
squander

This word fits when you are describing the careless or foolish use of resources, such as time, money, or opportunities, often with regret.

  • He squandered his inheritance on gambling.
  • Don't squander your talents by wasting time on trivial activities.
miss out on

This is appropriate when you talk about not taking advantage of an opportunity or experience.

  • If you don't come to the party, you'll miss out on all the fun.
  • He missed out on a great job offer because he didn't check his email.
waste

This term is used when you are talking about using something carelessly or without making use of its full potential, which often carries a negative connotation.

  • You shouldn't waste food when so many people are hungry.
  • He wasted all his free time playing video games instead of studying.

Examples of usage

  • Don't throw away your chance to make a difference.
  • She threw away her talent by not pursuing her passion.
  • If you don't study for the exam, you're throwing away a great opportunity.

Translations

Translations of the word "throw away" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น jogar fora

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคซเฅ‡เค‚เค• เคฆเฅ‡เคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช wegwerfen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ membuang

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒะธะบะธะดะฐั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ wyrzuciฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆจใฆใ‚‹ (suteru)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท jeter

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ tirar

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท atmak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฒ„๋ฆฌ๋‹ค (beorida)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฑู…ูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vyhodit

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ vyhodiลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ‰”ๆŽ‰ (rฤ“ng diร o)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ vreฤi proฤ

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ henda

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะปะฐา›ั‚ั‹ั€ั‹ะฟ ั‚ะฐัั‚ะฐัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒแƒ“แƒแƒ’แƒ“แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ atmaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ tirar

Etymology

The origin of the phrasal verb 'throw away' dates back to Old English, where 'throw' meant 'to twist, turn, or hurl'. The addition of 'away' as a particle intensifies the meaning of getting rid of something. Over time, the expression evolved to its current usage in modern English, emphasizing the act of discarding or wasting something.