B1verbrelationships
US/rɪˈfjuːz/
UK/rɪˈfjuːz/
to say clearly that you will not do or accept something
In context
My little brother refused to eat his vegetables, so Mom gave him no dessert.
The bank refused her loan application because her income was too low.
He offered me a lift on his motorbike, but I politely refused.
Words that go with refuse
verb + preposition
- refuse toThe taxi driver refused to turn on the meter.
adverb + verb
- flatly refuseThe company flatly refused to pay for the damage.
- politely refuseIf you don't want more food, you can politely refuse.
verb + noun
- refuse an offerIt was hard to refuse an offer with such a good salary.
- refuse permissionThe school refused permission for the trip because of the storm.
- refuse entryGuests in shorts may be refused entry to the temple.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
She refused answering my question.Correct: She refused to answer my question.
Incorrect:
My parents refused me to go out at night.Correct: My parents didn't let me go out at night.