Definitions
- Referring to the act of holding back or not giving something that is expected or owed. - Talking about the act of keeping something secret or hidden from someone. - Describing the act of deducting or retaining a portion of someone's salary or wages.
- Describing the act of declining or rejecting an offer or request. - Talking about the act of not allowing or granting permission for something. - Referring to the act of not accepting or eating food or drink offered.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words involve denying or not giving something.
- 2Both words can be used in formal or informal contexts.
- 3Both words can be used in various tenses and forms.
- 4Both words can be used in negative or positive sentences.
- 5Both words can be used with objects or people.
What is the difference?
- 1Action: Withhold refers to holding back or not giving something that is expected or owed, while refuse refers to declining or rejecting an offer or request.
- 2Intention: Withhold can be intentional or unintentional, while refuse is always intentional.
- 3Object: Withhold is often used with money, information, or resources, while refuse is often used with offers, requests, or invitations.
- 4Connotation: Withhold can have a neutral or negative connotation, while refuse can have a negative connotation.
- 5Usage: Withhold is more commonly used in legal or financial contexts, while refuse is more commonly used in social or interpersonal contexts.
Remember this!
Withhold and refuse are both verbs that involve denying or not giving something. However, the difference between withhold and refuse is their action and intention. Withhold refers to holding back or not giving something that is expected or owed, while refuse refers to declining or rejecting an offer or request intentionally.
