work out

entender, descifrar

Entender o descifrar algo después de pensarlo detenidamente.

En inglés sencillo: To understand something by thinking about it carefully.

• I cannot work out these instructions.
• She worked out what the strange message meant.
• Have you worked out how this machine works?

Cómo se usa: work something out (These instructions are confusing, but we will work them out.); work out how/why… (I worked out why the door would not open.)

Sinónimos: figure out, understand

Expresiones frecuentes: work out something, work out why

hacer ejercicio, entrenar

Hacer ejercicio para estar en forma o ganar fuerza, a menudo en un gimnasio.

En inglés sencillo: To exercise to become fitter or stronger, often at a gym.

• I work out every morning.
• We worked out together at the gym yesterday.
• How often do you work out with weights?

Cómo se usa: work out at/in somewhere (She works out at the gym near her office.)

Sinónimos: exercise, train

Expresiones frecuentes: work out regularly, work out together, work out daily

calcular

Obtener un número o una cantidad mediante operaciones matemáticas.

En inglés sencillo: To find a number or amount by using mathematics.

• Work out the total cost.
• I worked out the answer in my head.
• Have you worked out how much each person should pay?

Cómo se usa: work something out (We worked the total out together.); work out how much… (Can you work out how much we owe?)

Sinónimos: calculate

Expresiones frecuentes: work out costs, work out something

elaborar, acordar

Preparar un plan o llegar a un acuerdo mediante reflexión, conversación y esfuerzo.

En inglés sencillo: To create or arrange something by thinking, discussing, or making an effort.

• Let us work out a plan.
• They worked out an agreement after several meetings.
• We are working out the details with our neighbours.

Cómo se usa: work something out with someone (We worked a payment plan out with the bank.)

Sinónimos: devise, arrange, hammer out

Expresiones frecuentes: work out details, work out something

decidir

Decidir qué se quiere o qué se piensa después de reflexionar.

En inglés sencillo: To decide what you think or want after considering something.

• I need to work out what I want.
• She still has not worked out whether she likes the job.
• Have you worked out which option you prefer?

Cómo se usa: work out if/whether… (I am trying to work out whether I want to stay.); work out what… (We need to work out what we really want.)

Sinónimos: decide, figure out

Expresiones frecuentes: work out whether, work out preferences

cuadrar, salir bien

Dar una cuenta o un cálculo el resultado correcto, sin errores.

En inglés sencillo: If a calculation does this, it gives a correct result with no mistakes.

• The calculation works out correctly.
• I checked the sum twice, but it still would not work out.
• Do these figures work out when you include the delivery charge?

Sinónimos: add up

Expresiones frecuentes: work out correctly, work out exactly