refuse

/ri'fju:z/

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Word: Refuse

Part of Speech:
- Verb: The action of not accepting something or saying no to it.
- Noun: Items that are discarded or thrown away, often food waste.

Meanings and Usage

1. As a Verb:

   • To say no or decline: This means you do not want something offered to you.
   • To reject an offer or proposal: This can be used when someone doesn't accept a suggestion or request.
   • To turn away or deny access: This is when someone is not allowed to enter a place or group.
   • To resist: This can refer to the body's response to foreign substances.

2. As a Noun:

   • Discarded items: This usually refers to waste, especially from kitchens or food that is no longer wanted.

Advanced Usage

• Refuse to accept: This phrase can be used to indicate strong disagreement or the unwillingness to accept a situation or proposal.

  • Example: "She refused to accept the terms of the contract."

• Defy: In a more complex context, "refuse" can connect with the idea of defying expectations or norms.

  • Example: "His actions refuse explanation; they are beyond understanding."

Word Variants

• Refusal (noun): The act of refusing.

  • Example: "Her refusal to cooperate caused delays."

• Refused (past tense of refuse): Indicates that someone has already said no to something.

  • Example: "They refused the offer last week."

Synonyms

• Decline: To politely say no.
• Reject: To dismiss something as inadequate or unacceptable.
• Dismiss: To not consider something seriously.
• Turn down: To decline an offer or invitation.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• "Turn down": To refuse or reject something.

  • Example: "She turned down the job offer."

• "Shut the door" (figuratively): To refuse an opportunity or option.

  • Example: "By not applying, you shut the door on that chance."

Different Meanings

• Refuse in Context: In a culinary or environmental context, refuse can refer to organic waste or scraps that are discarded after cooking or eating.
  • Example: "The kitchen generates a lot of refuse that can be recycled."

Summary

The word "refuse" has both a verb and a noun form. As a verb, it primarily means to decline or reject an offer or proposal. As a noun, it refers to waste, especially food waste. It has various synonyms and can be used in different contexts, including social situations and biological responses.

Academic

Noun

1. food that is discarded (as from a kitchen)

Verb

1. refuse entrance or membership
   • They turned away hundreds of fans
   • Black people were often rejected by country clubs
2. resist immunologically the introduction of some foreign tissue or organ
   • His body rejected the liver of the donor
3. refuse to let have
   • She denies me every pleasure
   • he denies her her weekly allowance
4. elude, especially in a baffling way
   • This behavior defies explanation
5. refuse to accept
   • He refused my offer of hospitality
6. show unwillingness towards
   • he declined to join the group on a hike

Synonyms

• garbage
• food waste
• scraps
• reject
• turn down
• turn away
• resist
• deny
• defy
• pass up
• decline