go away: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, often imperative, can be blunt or rude.
Quick answer
What does “go away” mean?
A command or instruction for someone to leave or depart from the current location.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A command or instruction for someone to leave or depart from the current location.
Can also be an interjection expressing annoyance, dismissal, or a desire to be left alone; sometimes used metaphorically to indicate something (e.g., a problem, feeling) should disappear.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use it identically in core meaning and register.
Connotations
In both varieties, it is direct and can be perceived as impolite unless softened by tone or context (e.g., talking to a pet).
Frequency
Equally common and frequent in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “go away” in a Sentence
[Imperative: Subject (you) implied] + go away[Subject] + go away + (from [Location])[Subject] + want/need/tell [Object] + to go awayVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “go away” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The tourists decided to go away for the bank holiday weekend.
- I told the salesman to go away, but he kept knocking.
American English
- We usually go away for Thanksgiving to visit family.
- If that headache doesn't go away, you should see a doctor.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly unlikely in formal business communication. Could be used figuratively: 'We need this software bug to go away.'
Academic
Rare, except in quoted speech or informal dialogue.
Everyday
Very common in informal, direct speech, especially with children, pets, or in moments of frustration.
Technical
Not used in technical senses.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “go away”
- Using it where a softer phrase like 'Could you give me a moment?' is needed. Confusing 'go away' (depart) with 'go out' (exit for leisure).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Tone and context are key. Said with a smile to a playful child or pet, it's gentle. Said bluntly to an adult, it is dismissive and impolite.
'Leave' is more neutral and formal. 'Go away' is more direct, often imperative, and implies the speaker wants the listener to create distance from them specifically.
Yes. As a phrasal verb, it conjugates normally: 'He went away yesterday.' 'The feeling has gone away.'
Add 'please,' use a softer tone, or rephrase: 'Could you give me some space, please?' 'I need to be alone for a bit.'
A command or instruction for someone to leave or depart from the current location.
Go away is usually informal, often imperative, can be blunt or rude. in register.
Go away: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡəʊ əˈweɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡoʊ əˈweɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Go away! (as an interjection)”
- “make something go away (to eliminate a problem)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a magician saying "Abracadabra, GO AWAY!" to make something disappear. The phrase commands disappearance.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISTANCE IS DISMISSAL / DEPARTURE IS DISAPPEARANCE
Practice
Quiz
In which situation is 'Go away!' LEAST likely to be considered rude?