Words / A2

ri-FYOOZ/rɪˈfjuːz/

To refuse is to say no to an offer or a request. Refuse to + verb: she refused to answer. Refuse a gift. Reject is similar, often for ideas or applications. Decline is a polite formal no. Refusal is the noun.

Meaning

To say that you will not do or accept something.

Examples

• “She refused to answer the question.”
• “He refused my help.”
• “They refused to wait.”

Good to know

refuse to + verb. Polite formal: decline. Similar: reject.

Near in meaning

decline, reject

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