Rebuffed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Psychology

• Being rebuffed can trigger feelings of rejection, leading to emotional responses such as sadness or frustration.
• Rejection sensitivity is a psychological concept that explains how some people may be more affected by being rebuffed than others.
• Research shows that repeated experiences of being rebuffed can impact self-esteem and social interactions.

Literature

• Many literary works depict characters experiencing rebuff, often leading to personal growth or conflict development.
• Classic literature often explores themes of unrequited love, where a character’s feelings are rebuffed, highlighting emotional depth.
• The motif of rebuff can serve as a turning point in stories, where characters must choose to persevere or retreat.

Pop Culture

• In many romantic comedies, a character faces a rebuff when they finally confess their love, often leading to humorous or dramatic fallout.
• Musicians frequently use themes of rebuff in their songs, reflecting the pain and strength that comes from rejected feelings.
• Social media has introduced new ways of experiencing rebuff, such as being ignored or unfollowed, which can feel just as impactful.

Social Dynamics

• In group settings, someone may be rebuffed when their ideas are dismissed, leading to discussions about inclusion and respect.
• Cultural norms can influence how rebuffs are perceived—some cultures may view direct rejection as rude, while others see it as acceptable.
• Handling a rebuff gracefully can foster resilience and adaptability, important social skills in many environments.

Main points about word origin

• The word comes from the late Middle French term 'rebuffe', meaning a rejection or snub.
• Its roots can be traced back to the Latin 'rebuffare', where 're-' means 'back' and 'buffare' means 'to puff', like blowing something away.
• The term has evolved over centuries but retains the core meaning of pushing away or dismissing.

The word 'rebuff' traces its origins back to the early 16th century, derived from the Middle French term 'rebuffe,' which means a blunt rejection. It has its roots in the Old French 'rebuf', meaning to push back or repel. The first recorded usage of the term in English was in the 1520s, where it was used in the context of rejecting someone's advances or proposals. Over the centuries, the meaning of 'rebuff' has evolved, but it has consistently retained the core idea of rejecting or dismissing something with a certain degree of forcefulness. As English has borrowed from various languages, 'rebuff' reflects its rich etymological background, encompassing notions of both refusal and resistance.

At rank #25,225, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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• 25222 complacently
• 25223 moralizing
• 25224 cobbled
• 25225 rebuffed
• 25226 buckskin
• 25227 unlisted
• 25228 furtively
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