Refusing: meaning, definitions and examples

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refusing

 

[ rɪˈfjuzɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

action decline

Refusing is the act of indicating that one does not accept or want something. It can also refer to rejecting an offer, proposal, or request. This term conveys an unwillingness to comply with a request or directive.

Synonyms

declining, disallowing, rejecting, spurning

Examples of usage

  • She is refusing the job offer.
  • He was refusing to answer the questions.
  • They are refusing to attend the meeting.
  • The child kept refusing to eat dinner.

Translations

Translations of the word "refusing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 recusando

🇮🇳 इनकार करना

🇩🇪 ablehnend

🇮🇩 menolak

🇺🇦 відмовляючи

🇵🇱 odmawiając

🇯🇵 拒否する

🇫🇷 refusant

🇪🇸 rechazando

🇹🇷 reddederek

🇰🇷 거부하는

🇸🇦 رافض

🇨🇿 odmítající

🇸🇰 odmietajúci

🇨🇳 拒绝

🇸🇮 zavračajoč

🇮🇸 hafandi

🇰🇿 бас тарту

🇬🇪 უარყოფითი

🇦🇿 rədd edən

🇲🇽 rechazando

Word origin

The word 'refuse' derives from the Latin 'refusare', which means 'to reject' or 'to deny'. The prefix 're-' means 'back' or 'again', while 'fusus' comes from 'fundere', meaning 'to pour'. This etymological background illustrates the concept of pushing back or resisting. Over centuries, its usage in English evolved, with the earliest recorded instance dating back to the late Middle Ages when it appeared in various legal and administrative contexts. By the 14th century, 'refuse' had settled into more general usage, describing the act of declining offers or turning away from suggestions. The gerund form 'refusing' captures this action-oriented sense, emphasizing the ongoing nature of rejecting something. This evolution reflects broader cultural attitudes toward choices and personal agency.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,250 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.