brush off

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Word: Brush off

Part of Speech: Verb (phrasal verb)

Meaning: To dismiss someone or something in a casual or indifferent way; to ignore or pay little attention to someone or something.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "brush off" when you want to describe a situation where someone doesn't take something seriously or chooses to ignore it.
• It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more common in casual conversations.

Examples:

1. Simple Example: When Maria tried to ask her teacher for help, he just brushed her off and continued with his work.
2. Another Example: After his friend made a suggestion, he brushed it off as unimportant.

Advanced Usage:

• In a Professional Context: When discussing feedback, a manager might brush off an employee's concerns, which can lead to misunderstandings.
• In Relationships: If someone is showing interest in you, but you feel uncomfortable, you might brush off their advances.

Word Variants:

• Brush-off (noun): This is the act of ignoring or dismissing someone or something.
  • Example: Her quick brush-off of his compliments made him feel rejected.

Different Meanings:

While "brush off" primarily means to dismiss or ignore, it can also imply a light, casual way of doing so, rather than being rude or harsh.

Synonyms:

• Dismiss
• Ignore
• Shun
• Snub
• Overlook

Idioms and Related Phrasal Verbs:

• "Give someone the cold shoulder": This means to deliberately ignore someone.

  • Example: After their argument, she gave him the cold shoulder at the party.

• "Turn a blind eye": To ignore something that you know is wrong or not right.

  • Example: The manager turned a blind eye to the employee’s mistakes.

Summary:

"Brush off" is an informal way to describe dismissing someone or something without giving it much thought. It can be used in various contexts, from personal interactions to professional settings.

Academic

Verb

1. bar from attention or consideration
   • She dismissed his advances

Synonyms

• dismiss
• disregard
• brush aside
• discount
• push aside
• ignore