Definition

1. Verb:
   • To eliminate or dismiss from consideration: To decide that something is not possible or suitable, or that someone is not a candidate.
   • To make impossible, especially in advance: To prevent something from happening or being considered as an option.

Usage

• The verb "rule out" is a phrasal verb. It is typically used with an object (a person, thing, or possibility).
• It is commonly used in formal, medical, investigative, and planning contexts to indicate the exclusion of an option.
• Structure: or .

Examples

• Basic Usage:
  • The doctor will need to run tests to rule out an infection.
  • We can rule out the first option; it's too expensive.
  • His age rules him out for military service.
• In Context:
  • The police ruled out foul play after the initial investigation.
  • Bad weather ruled out any chance of a picnic.

Advanced Usage

• "Rule out the possibility of": A common phrase used to formally exclude a specific chance or event.
  • We cannot rule out the possibility of further delays.
• Used in passive voice: .
  • Several candidates were ruled out due to lack of experience.

Variants and Related Words

• Eliminate (verb): To completely remove or get rid of something.
  • The team was eliminated from the tournament.
• Exclude (verb): To deliberately leave something or someone out.
  • The price excludes taxes and fees.
• Preclude (verb): (More formal) To prevent something from happening or to make it impossible.
  • His prior commitment precluded him from attending.

Synonyms

• Eliminate
• Exclude
• Discard
• Reject
• Preclude

Antonyms

• Include
• Consider
• Allow
• Admit

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Rule in: The opposite of "rule out"; to consider something as a possibility or to include it.
  • The evidence rules in the suspect as a potential perpetrator.

Verb

1. dismiss from consideration or a contest
   • John was ruled out as a possible suspect because he had a strong alibi
   • This possibility can be eliminated from our consideration
2. include or exclude by determining judicially or in agreement with rules
3. make impossible, especially beforehand