Reject
/rɪˈdʒekt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo refuse to accept or believe something; to dismiss or dismiss something as inadequate.
/rɪˈdʒekt/
To refuse to accept, agree to, or believe something.
The committee rejected the proposal because it was too expensive.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're offered a candy you don't like. To 'reject' is like saying, "No thanks!" and not taking it, because you don't want it. It's also like turning down a friend's idea.
👶 For kids: To say "no" to something or someone.
More Examples
He rejected the offer of a promotion because he didn't want the responsibility.
The company rejected the job applicant because he was not qualified.
How It's Used
"The parliament rejected the proposed bill."
"She rejected his offer of marriage."
"The scientist rejected the hypothesis."
To refuse to accept or allow someone or something.
/rɪˈdʒekt/
To refuse to give someone something or accept someone.
The charity rejected his donation because it didn't meet their guidelines.
💡 Simply: If you are left out of a game or activity, you might feel 'rejected' or 'left out.' It's when someone or something is not accepted.
👶 For kids: To not let someone be part of something.
More Examples
She felt rejected when her friends didn't invite her to the party.
The casting director rejected many actors.
How It's Used
"He felt rejected by his peers."
"The university rejected her application."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
to reject something out of hand
To dismiss or refuse something immediately without serious consideration.
"The proposal was rejected out of hand because it didn't fit with their current strategy."
From Latin *reiectus*, past participle of *reicere* 'to throw back, cast off', from *re-* 'back' + *iacere* 'to throw'.
Used in Middle English, often in religious contexts to denote a turning away from sin or false beliefs.
Memory tip
Think of throwing something back – *re* means back, and to *ject* is to throw.