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English
mess
mɛs
Meaning: to behave in a silly way; to waste time
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Verb inflections
| Form | Inflected form |
|---|---|
| Base | mess |
| 3rd person singular present | messes |
| Present participle | messing |
| Past | messed |
| Will future | will mess |
| Going-to future | going to mess |
| Imperative negative | don't mess / do not mess |
Example
Stop messing around and focus on your work.
Stop messing around and focus on your work.
Usage Notes
The phrasal verb 'mess around' means to spend time doing things that are not important or to behave in a silly way when you should be working. 'Mess' can also mean to make something dirty or untidy (often as 'mess up').
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