Word
spurned
US/ˈspɝnd/
UK/spˈɜːnd/
Definition
v. to refuse something strongly because you think it is not good enough for you.
v. to reject something or someone with contempt or disdain.
Examples
“She has spurned his help and works alone.”
“After years of loyalty, he felt hurt when the company spurned his request for a promotion.”
“The spurned invitation lay unopened on the table, a quiet reminder that pride can sometimes cost more than humility ever would.”
Examples
simple
“She has spurned his help and works alone.”
contextual
“After years of loyalty, he felt hurt when the company spurned his request for a promotion.”
complex
“The spurned invitation lay unopened on the table, a quiet reminder that pride can sometimes cost more than humility ever would.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “spurned” in context.
Verb
01. feel spurned
“After his friends ignored him, he began to feel spurned and isolated.”
verb + adj
02. leave spurned
“The harsh rejection left her feeling spurned and humiliated.”
verb + adj
03. spurned advance
“She spurned his advance and refused to see him again.”
verb + noun
04. spurned invitation
“They spurned the invitation to join the coalition government.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. angrily spurned
“She felt angrily spurned after the board mocked her proposal.”
adv + verb
06. contemptuously spurned
“His sincere apology was contemptuously spurned by the committee.”
adv + verb
07. publicly spurned
“The actor was publicly spurned by the studio after the scandal.”
adv + verb
08. feel spurned and isolated
“Newcomers often feel spurned and isolated in highly competitive schools.”
09. publicly spurn an invitation
“The minister publicly spurned an invitation to debate on live television.”
10. spurn a peace proposal
“The rebels spurned a peace proposal brokered by international mediators.”
11. spurn advances from rivals
“The company spurned advances from rivals seeking a quick takeover.”
12. spurn an offer of help
“Too proud to accept charity, he spurned an offer of help from relatives.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.
Real-World Examples
“Many premium wine-makers had spurned cork, blaming it for occasionally tainting wines with a mouldy taste.” Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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