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reject

B1
verbnoun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /rɪdʒˈɛkt/
  • /rˈiːdʒɛkt/

US

  • /ˈridʒɛkt/
  • /rɪˈdʒɛkt/

Description

To reject something is to refuse to accept it, whether it is an offer, an idea, or even a person. Imagine you build a tall tower of blocks, but your little brother tries to add a shaky piece on top. You might reject his idea because it could make the whole tower fall.

"Reject" can also mean to decide that something is not good enough. A quality control inspector might reject a batch of products that do not meet standards. Sometimes, people sadly reject offers of help when they are struggling. It is a strong word that shows a clear refusal and often carries a feeling of dismissal. You can reject an invitation, a proposal, or even a belief.

Examples

  1. 1

    University application

    The university rejected her application.

  2. 2

    Job offer

    He rejected the job offer and stayed where he was.

  3. 3

    Payment failure

    My card was rejected when I tried to pay for dinner.

  4. 4

    Suggestion

    She rejected my suggestion without giving it a fair chance.

  5. 5

    Public vote

    Most voters rejected the proposal in the final vote.

  6. 6

    Expert opinion

    Experts have rejected the claim that the water is safe to drink.

    • Pattern

      reject the claim that + statement

      say that the statement is not true or not acceptable

  7. 7

    Romantic interest

    She rejected him as gently as she could when he asked her to go on a date.

  8. 8

    Emotional reaction

    He found it hard to talk about how rejected he felt after the breakup.

    • Phrase

      feel rejected

      feel that someone no longer wants or accepts you

Forms and spellings

4 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • rejectnounverb

Forms

  • rejectedpast tenseverbnoun
  • rejectspluralnounverb
  • rejecting-ing formverbnoun