The phrasal verb "give away" is primarily used in informal contexts, though it can also appear in formal language when appropriate. It has several meanings, depending on the context. Most commonly, it is used to describe the act of donating or handing over something without expecting payment, such as "She decided to give away her old clothes to charity." Another frequent use is to divulge a secret or reveal information, often inadvertently, as in "He accidentally gave away the surprise by mentioning the party plans." In a more formal scenario, it is used during wedding ceremonies to refer to the tradition of the bride being 'given away' by a guardian, typically her father. Additionally, in sports or competitive contexts, it can mean failing to capitalize on an advantage, like "The team gave away their lead in the final minutes." Its adaptability across different contexts and the clear connotations it carries make "give away" a versatile and widely used phrasal verb.
B1
PreIntermediate
1. To provide something for free, often to help or benefit others.
They decided to give away old clothes to the charity.
The company is giving away free samples to promote their new product.
2. To reveal or disclose information, often unintentionally.
She didn't want to give away the ending of the movie.
His surprised expression gave away the secret plan.