refusal
Translation
refusal, rejection, denial
Examples
His refusal to help was very disappointing.
His refusal to help was very disappointing.
The letter was a flat refusal of my request.
The letter was a flat refusal of my request.
She had the first refusal on the house.
She had the first refusal on the house.
Grammar Patterns
refusal ((to-inf)) the act of saying you will not do sth. His refusal to answer was telling.
refusal ((of sth.)) the act of not accepting sth. The refusal of his visa was a shock.
first refusal the right to be offered sth. before anyone else They have first refusal on the property.
Similar Words
Synonyms: rejection, denial, declination; Antonyms: acceptance, approval
Etymology
From the verb 'refuse' plus the noun-forming suffix '-al'. The verb comes from Old French 'refuser'.
Memory Tips
The act of 'refusing' something is a 'refusal'.