refusal

/ri'fju:zəl/

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Word: Refusal

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A "refusal" is when someone says "no" to something that is offered or suggested. It is the act of not accepting something.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "refusal" when you want to describe the act of turning down an offer or request.
• It is often used in formal or polite contexts, but can also be used in everyday conversation.

Example:

• "Her refusal to participate in the event surprised everyone."
• "He received a letter of refusal from the university."

Advanced Usage:

In more formal contexts, you might hear "refusal" in discussions about legal matters or official decisions. For example, "The court's refusal to grant bail was unexpected."

Word Variants:

• Refuse (verb): To say no to something. (Example: "I refuse to eat vegetables.")
• Refusing (present participle): The action of saying no. (Example: "She is refusing his offer.")
• Refused (past tense): Said no in the past. (Example: "I refused the invitation last week.")

Different Meanings:

• "Refusal" primarily means the act of not accepting something, but it can also refer to a situation where someone declines a request or offer.

Synonyms:

• Decline
• Denial
• Rejection
• Dismissal
• Non-acceptance

Idioms:

While there are no specific idioms that directly use "refusal," you might hear phrases like: - "Turn down an offer" - to refuse an invitation or suggestion. - "Give someone the cold shoulder" - to ignore someone or refuse to engage with them.

Phrasal Verbs:

• Turn down: To refuse an offer or request. (Example: "She turned down the job offer.")
• Say no to: To refuse something. (Example: "He said no to the proposal.")

Conclusion:

"Refusal" is a useful word when you need to express that someone does not accept something.

Academic

Noun

1. a message refusing to accept something that is offered
2. the act of refusing