reject
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /rɪdʒˈɛkt/
- /rˈiːdʒɛkt/
US
- /ˈridʒɛkt/
- /rɪˈdʒɛkt/
Description
- refuse
- dismiss
- turn down
- push away
- say no to
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.
To reject means to refuse to accept, consider, or support something—it's more than just saying "no"; it implies a deliberate act of turning something away. It can apply to many different things, from physical objects to abstract ideas and even people. For example, "The editor rejected the author's manuscript," meaning they refused to publish it.
"Reject" often carries an emotional weight. A heartbroken person might feel rejected after a breakup, implying a painful dismissal by someone they cared for. Similarly, a community might reject policies they believe are unfair or harmful.
The word can also be used in more technical contexts. In science, the body's immune system rejects foreign tissues—like an organ transplant if it isn't compatible. A computer program might reject invalid input.
Interestingly, "reject" doesn't always mean something is bad. Sometimes, we deliberately reject societal norms or expectations to forge our own path. An artist might reject traditional painting techniques in favor of a new style.
So whether it's a formal refusal, an emotional dismissal, a biological response, or a conscious choice—to reject is to actively turn away from something, signaling its unacceptability or incompatibility with your needs, beliefs, or standards.
Examples
- 1
University application
The university rejected her application.
- 2
Job offer
He rejected the job offer and stayed where he was.
- 3
Payment failure
My card was rejected when I tried to pay for dinner.
- 4
Suggestion
She rejected my suggestion without giving it a fair chance.
- 5
Public vote
Most voters rejected the proposal in the final vote.
- 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
Romantic interest
She rejected him as gently as she could when he asked her to go on a date.
- 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