come away: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2informal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “come away” mean?
to become separated from something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to become separated from something; to leave a place or person, often resulting in a particular state.
To be detached or removable; to emerge from an experience with a particular impression, feeling, or result.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. Slight preference in UK English for 'come away' in the sense of 'leave (a place)' as a phrasal verb (e.g., 'We came away from the match disappointed'). In US English, 'come away with (an impression)' is equally common.
Connotations
In both varieties, the literal sense often connotes something breaking off unintentionally. The figurative sense can imply a takeaway or lesson.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English in the literal sense ('The handle came away in my hand'). The figurative sense ('come away thinking...') is equally frequent in both.
Grammar
How to Use “come away” in a Sentence
[Subject] + come away + [from NP][Subject] + come away + [with NP][Subject] + come away + [Adjective/PP]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “come away” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The bracket came away from the wall.
- We came away from the festival covered in mud.
- I came away thinking it was a poor deal.
American English
- The trim came away from the window frame.
- They came away from the game victorious.
- You'll come away with a better understanding.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in post-meeting summaries: 'We came away from the negotiations with a solid agreement.'
Academic
Used in reviews or conclusions: 'Readers come away from the text with a nuanced understanding of the period.'
Everyday
Common for describing outcomes or breakages: 'The label came away when I tried to wash the jumper.'
Technical
Used in manuals/warnings about parts detaching: 'Ensure the cover does not come away during operation.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “come away”
- Incorrect particle: 'The button came off' (correct) vs. 'The button came away off' (incorrect).
- Using without required preposition: 'I came away the concert impressed.' Correct: 'I came away from the concert impressed.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an inseparable phrasal verb. You cannot say 'come it away'.
No, it is intransitive. It does not take a direct object. You need a preposition (from/with).
'Come off' often implies complete detachment or success ('It came off the wall', 'The plan came off'). 'Come away' emphasizes the process of separating or leaving, sometimes partially, and the resulting state.
It is neutral to informal. In very formal writing, alternatives like 'become detached', 'depart', or 'emerge' might be preferred.
to become separated from something.
Come away: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkʌm əˈweɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkʌm əˈweɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “come away empty-handed”
- “come away none the wiser”
- “come away with the impression that...”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a door HANDLE: you pull, and it COMES AWAY (separates) in your hand. You then come away (leave) from the broken door, feeling annoyed.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXPERIENCES ARE OBJECTS THAT CAN BE TAKEN AWAY (e.g., 'come away with memories'). SEPARATION IS MOVEMENT AWAY.
Practice
Quiz
In the sentence 'After the workshop, participants came away energized,' what does 'came away' mean?