What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
refuse
Example
I had to refuse the job offer because it didn't meet my salary expectations. [refuse: verb]
Example
The company refused to release any information about the incident. [refused: past tense]
Example
The bouncer refused entry to anyone without a valid ID. [refusing: present participle]
disapprove
Example
My parents disapprove of my decision to drop out of college. [disapprove: verb]
Example
The committee members expressed their disapproval of the proposed budget cuts. [disapproval: noun]
Example
She looked at him with disapproval when he made the inappropriate joke. [disapproving: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disapprove is more commonly used than refuse in everyday language. Disapprove is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while refuse is less common and refers to a specific type of rejection or denial.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between refuse and disapprove?
Both refuse and disapprove can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, refuse can be seen as more assertive and confrontational, which may make it less appropriate for very formal situations.
