The phrase "hard to make out" is commonly used to describe something that is difficult to discern or perceive clearly. The word "hard" is pronounced /hɑːrd/ (hahrd) and the phrase "to make out" is pronounced /tuː meɪk aʊt/ (too mayk owt). The pronunciation of the word "make" (/meɪk/) is different from its most common spelling, which would be "m-a-k-e". Phonetic transcriptions, like the ones in this article, can help learners of English understand the sounds of the language more accurately.
"Hard to make out" is an idiomatic phrase used to describe a situation or object that is difficult to see, understand, or perceive clearly. It suggests a lack of distinctness or clarity, making it challenging to discern the details or fully comprehend the entity in question.
When applied to visual contexts, "hard to make out" pertains to objects or scenes that lack visual contrast, have blurred edges, or are partially obscured. For example, in low-light conditions, distant objects may appear as silhouettes or indistinct shapes, making them hard to make out. Similarly, when observing an image with poor resolution or while experiencing vision impairment, certain elements or text may be hard to make out due to their lack of clarity.
The phrase extends beyond visual contexts and can also be employed in situations where information or communication is challenging to grasp or comprehend. If someone is speaking softly, mumbling, or using unclear language, their words may be hard to make out, making it difficult to understand their message or intentions. Additionally, in situations where background noise or interference is present, such as during a phone call in a crowded area, the conversation may become hard to make out due to the overlapping sounds.
Overall, "hard to make out" implies a level of obscurity, vagueness, or difficulty in perceiving and comprehending facets of objects, situations, or communication.