Refusal

Definition

A refusal is the act or instance of rejecting or declining something, often explicitly.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /rɪˈfjuzəl/
• Respelling: ri-FYOO-zuhl (with "ri" as in "rid," "FYOO" as in "fuel," and "zuhl" as in "puzzle")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /rɪˈfjuːzəl/
• Respelling: ri-FYOO-zuhl (similar to American English, with "ri" as in "rid," "FYOO" as in "fuel," and "zuhl" as in "puzzle")

In both dialects, "refusal" is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable, "FYOO." The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, clearly articulating each component of the word with emphasis on the "FYOO" syllable.

Etymology

The term "refusal" is derived from the Middle English "refusen", which means "to reject". It has its roots in the Old French word "refuser", stemming from the Latin "refusare", which is a repetitive form of "fusare", implying "to pour back".

Derivatives

• Refuser
• Refusenik
• Refusable
• Refusability
• Refusalism

Synonyms

• Rejection
• Denial
• Declination

Antonyms

• Acceptance
• Approval
• Assent

Usage

The term "refusal" is commonly utilized to indicate the act of not accepting, believing, or allowing something.

Related Terms

• Decline
• Veto
• Repudiation
• Renunciation
• Disapproval

Detailed Definition

Noun

• The act or instance of withholding or denying consent or agreement.
• Example: The applicant was disappointed by the refusal of his visa application by the consulate.

• A rejection of something requested or desired.
• Example: Her refusal to join the team surprised many of her colleagues.

• The opportunity or right of refusing or taking before others.
• Example: As the eldest, he has the refusal on the family estate before it's offered to others.