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dismiss

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //dɪsˈmɪs// UK //dɪsmˈɪs// dis·miss General-service

v. to decide that something is not worth thinking about or taking seriously. It can also mean to officially tell someone they can leave or that they are fired from a job.

v. to reject a person, idea, or claim as being unworthy of serious consideration; to formally permit or order someone to depart. Transitive — requires a direct object.


SIMPLE

The manager decided to dismiss the complaint because there was no evidence.

CONTEXTUAL

After the final witness finished speaking, the judge chose to dismiss the case due to a lack of proof.

COMPLEX

While some critics were quick to dismiss the new theory as mere speculation, others argued that its core premises warranted a more rigorous scientific investigation.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

Middle English, from Latin dimissus (“sent away, dismissed, banished”), perfect passive participle of dīmittō (“send away, dismiss”), from dis- + mittere (“to send”).

Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. In professional contexts, it is a formal synonym for 'fire' or 'let go'.

Pitfall

The teacher dismissed from the class.The teacher dismissed the class.Dismiss is transitive and must be followed directly by the person or group being sent away.

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