refused
English meaning: Refused
Definition
To decline (a request or demand).
Example
“My request for a pay rise was refused.”
Another example: “The bank refused his application for a second loan.”
Usage — When, Where & How
The past tense of 'refuse', a neutral, everyday verb meaning to decline a request, offer, or demand. Frequently followed by 'to' plus a verb (refused to answer) or by a direct object (refused the offer).
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Old French 'refuser', ultimately from a blend of Latin 'refutare' (to rebut) and 'recusare' (to decline); in English from around 1300.
Synonyms
- declined
- rejected
- rebuffed
- spurned
- turned down
Antonyms / Opposites
- accepted
- agreed
- consented
- approved
Related Words
Common Collocations
- refused to answer
- flatly refused
- refused entry
- politely refused
- refused outright
- refused permission
Word Forms
refuse (v); refused; refuses; refusing; refusal (n)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B