Definitions and Examples of reject, refuse, decline
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To refuse to accept, consider, or use something.
Example
The company decided to reject the proposal because it did not meet their requirements.
To decline to do something; to say no to an offer or request.
Example
He refused to attend the party because he had other plans.
decline
To politely refuse an invitation or offer; to decrease in quality, quantity, or importance.
Example
She had to decline the job offer because she was not willing to relocate.
Key Differences: reject vs refuse vs decline
- 1Reject implies a strong negative response to something, often with a sense of disapproval or criticism.
- 2Refuse is a more general term that can be used to describe any situation where someone declines an offer or request.
- 3Decline can be used to describe a polite refusal, as well as a gradual decrease in something's quality, quantity, or importance.
Effective Usage of reject, refuse, decline
- 1Negotiations: Use these antonyms to express disagreement or refusal during negotiations.
- 2Social Situations: Incorporate these words in social situations to politely decline invitations or offers.
- 3Academic Writing: Utilize these antonyms in academic writing to demonstrate critical thinking and analysis.
Remember this!
The antonyms of accept are reject, refuse, and decline. These words have distinct nuances: Reject conveys strong disapproval, refuse is a general term for declining an offer or request, and decline can describe a polite refusal or a gradual decrease in something's quality, quantity, or importance. Use these words in negotiations, social situations, and academic writing to convey your message effectively.
