VocabDictionary

reject

/rɪˈdʒɛkt/ (verb), /ˈriː.dʒɛkt/ (noun)intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.verb

To refuse to accept, believe, or agree to something; to dismiss as inadequate or inappropriate.

Example Sentences:
  • The committee decided to reject the proposal due to a lack of funding.
  • His body began to reject the transplanted organ shortly after the surgery.
2.noun

A person or thing that has been dismissed or cast aside as being of poor quality or unacceptable.

Example Sentences:
  • The factory sells its rejects at a discounted price in the outlet store.
  • He felt like a social reject after moving to a new city where he knew no one.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “reject”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'rejectare', the frequentative form of 'rejicere', meaning 'to throw back'. This is composed of 're-' (back) and 'jacere' (to throw). The word entered Middle English via Old French, originally carrying the literal sense of casting something away.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Re- (back) + ject (throw): Imagine throwing a bad apple back at the person who gave it to you.

Frequently Asked Questions About “reject

1. What is the meaning of “reject” in English?

In English, reject (verb) is defined as: “To refuse to accept, believe, or agree to something; to dismiss as inadequate or inappropriate.”.

2. How do you use “reject” in a sentence?

The committee decided to reject the proposal due to a lack of funding.

3. What are English synonyms of “reject”?

Common synonyms include:decline,refuse,dismiss,repudiate,discard

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “reject”?

Derived from the Latin 'rejectare', the frequentative form of 'rejicere', meaning 'to throw back'. This is composed of 're-' (back) and 'jacere' (to throw). The word entered Middle English via Old French, originally carrying the literal sense of casting something away.