rebuff
|re-buff|
B2
/rɪˈbʌf/
abrupt rejection
Etymology
Etymology Information
'rebuff' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'ribuffare,' where 'ri-' meant 'again' and 'buffare' meant 'to puff.'
Historical Evolution
'ribuffare' transformed into the French word 'rebuffer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'rebuff' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to puff back or repel,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'rejecting or refusing.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a blunt or abrupt rejection, as of a person making advances.
His proposal was met with a sharp rebuff.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45