Dismiss: Definition and Synonym Exploration
Dismiss – Definition and Part of Speech
The word dismiss primarily functions as a verb, meaning to send away or remove from one’s presence or consideration. It can imply sending someone away from employment (“She was dismissed from her job”), ignoring an idea or suggestion (“He dismissed the proposal outright”), or ending something with authority (“The judge dismissed the case”). The noun form is “dismissal,” which refers to the act of dismissing.
Core Synonyms
Here are some main synonyms for “dismiss” presented in a table, along with brief definitions and example sentences illustrating their use:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reject | To refuse to accept or consider; often more formal. | “The committee rejected his application without hesitation.” | Formal, Academic |
| Oust | To expel from a position or place of authority. | “She was ousted from her managerial role due to policy violations.” | Business/Formal |
| Disregard | To ignore deliberately or show indifference to. | “The teacher disregarded the student’s excuses for tardiness.” | Casual/Informal |
| Shelve | To set aside temporarily; often used in planning contexts. | “They decided to shelve their project due to lack of funding.” | Business/Colloquial |
| Cast off | Informally, to send away or rid oneself of someone/something. | “He cast off his old habits when he moved to a new city.” | Casual/Creative |
| Turn down | To refuse an offer, request, etc.; often polite. | “She turned down the promotion because it required relocation.” | Business/Informal |
Usage Notes
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Reject: Ideal for formal contexts like academic settings or professional environments where decisions are based on criteria. It implies a definitive negative decision.
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Oust: Best used in business or organizational contexts to describe the removal of someone from their position, often due to misconduct or policy violation.
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Disregard: Suitable for informal conversations and situations where intentional ignorance is at play, such as overlooking minor errors or issues.
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Shelve: Commonly used in project management or planning, it suggests a temporary pause rather than a permanent termination. It implies that the matter might be revisited later.
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Cast off: Works well in creative writing or casual speech to describe letting go of relationships, habits, or burdens. It carries a sense of release and freedom.
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Turn down: Appropriate for both formal and informal contexts when politely refusing offers or invitations. It conveys respect or consideration for the requester’s position.
Common Pitfalls
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Confusing “dismiss” with “relinquish”: While both involve giving up something, “relinquish” suggests voluntary relinquishment of control rather than being sent away.
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Using “reject” in casual contexts: While technically correct, it can seem overly formal or harsh compared to “turn down.”
Final Recap
To summarize, while synonyms like reject, oust, disregard, shelve, cast off, and turn down all capture aspects of the meaning of dismiss, they each carry unique nuances. Understanding these subtle differences can enhance your communication across various contexts—whether in a professional setting, an academic environment, or casual conversation. By practicing their usage and recognizing context-specific applications, you can expand your vocabulary and improve your expressive precision.
Encourage learners to try crafting sentences with each synonym or use them in discussions to solidify their understanding and application of these versatile words.