ENGLISH
REFERENCE

refused

v.
A2 Elementary US //ɹəfˈjuzd// UK //ɹɪfjˈuːzd// re·fused

v. to say no when someone asks you to do something or offers you something. You use this when you are firm about not accepting an invitation or a request.

v. to decline to accept, give, or do something. Transitive when followed by a direct object or an infinitive clause; intransitive when used to indicate a general act of denial.


SIMPLE

She refused the job offer because the salary was too low.

CONTEXTUAL

The witness refused to answer any further questions without a lawyer present in the room.

COMPLEX

Despite the diplomatic pressure from neighboring nations, the government refused to sign the treaty, citing concerns over national sovereignty and economic independence.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

Commonly followed by a 'to' + infinitive construction or a direct noun object.

Pitfall

He refused from going to the partyHe refused to go to the partyRefuse is followed by a 'to' infinitive, not the preposition 'from' with a gerund.

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