Reject

Definition

Reject is a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to refuse to accept, approve, or agree to something. As a noun, it refers to something or someone that has been refused or deemed unsuitable.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• Verb IPA Pronunciation: /rɪˈdʒɛkt/
• Noun IPA Pronunciation: /ˈriː.dʒɛkt/
• Verb Respelling: ri-JEKT
• Noun Respelling: REE-jekt

British English

• Verb IPA Pronunciation: /rɪˈdʒɛkt/
• Noun IPA Pronunciation: /ˈriː.dʒɛkt/
• Verb Respelling: ri-JEKT
• Noun Respelling: REE-jekt

Etymology

The word "reject" originates from the Latin "reicere," meaning "to throw back," which is a combination of "re-" (back) and "iacere" (to throw). It entered Middle English in the 15th century via Old French "regeter."

Derivatives

• Rejection (noun)
• Rejector (noun)
• Rejectable (adjective)
• Nonrejectable (adjective)
• Rejecting (verb form)

Synonyms

• Refuse
• Dismiss
• Deny

Antonyms

• Accept
• Approve
• Agree

Usage

The term "reject" is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe refusal or disapproval. Examples include "He rejected their offer" (verb) and "The factory disposed of the rejects" (noun).

Related Terms

• Refusal: The act of declining something.
• Denial: The rejection of a request or statement.
• Dismissal: The act of sending away or refusing to consider something.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To refuse to accept, approve, or agree to something: Indicates disapproval or unwillingness to accept.
  • Example: "The committee rejected the proposal due to insufficient data."
• To dismiss as inadequate, inappropriate, or not to one's taste: Indicates the act of deeming something unsuitable.
  • Example: "She rejected the job offer because of low pay."
• To discard or throw away: Refers to the action of getting rid of something unwanted.
  • Example: "The defective products were rejected during quality control."

Noun

• Something or someone deemed unsuitable or unfit: Refers to items or individuals that are refused.
  • Example: "The batch contained several rejects that didn’t meet the standards."
• Something discarded as useless or unwanted: Refers to waste or surplus.
  • Example: "The factory disposed of its rejects responsibly."