refusal
|re-fu-sal|
B2
/rɪˈfjuːzəl/
denial or rejection
Etymology
Etymology Information
'refusal' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'refusen,' where 're-' meant 'again' and 'fusen' meant 'to pour or melt.'
Historical Evolution
'refusen' changed from the Old French word 'refuser' and eventually became the modern English word 'refusal'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to pour back or reject,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'declining or rejecting something.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act of refusing or declining something offered or requested.
Her refusal to attend the meeting surprised everyone.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39