Reject Refuse Deny Decline
The words “Reject,” “Refuse,” “Deny,” and “Decline” are primarily used for negation:
“Reject” is often used to not accept something offered to an individual (objects, people, ideas);
“Refuse” is used to indicate a personal choice or decision to abstain from a specific action or proposal;
“Deny” is typically employed to refute accusations against oneself;
“Decline” is a more polite way of saying “no.”
Reject
The verb “reject” is often used when someone does not wish to ………………….. something. This can apply to specific objects, abstract ideas, proposals, or even people in social or professional scenarios. “Reject” typically signifies a decisive and categorical “no,” often after careful ………………… For instance, an editor may reject a manuscript, or a company may reject a job candidate.
Example:
- The committee rejected the proposal for a new environmental ………………
- The panel of judges decided to reject the proposal due to ……………… evidence
Gap Answers
accept, consideration, policy, insufficient
Refuse
“Refuse” is similar to “reject” in its decisiveness but is more personal and direct. It conveys the act of intentionally not accepting, agreeing to, or performing something over which a person has a choice or right. “Refuse” often pertains to an individual directly exercising their choice. You can refuse an offer, refuse to ……………….. an order, or refuse to ……………….. in an activity.
Example:
- Despite his friend’s insistence, John chose to refuse the ………………. offer to join the risky venture
- She refused to answer the question on the ………………. that it invaded her privacy
Gap Answers
follow, participate, tempting, grounds
Deny
The verb “Deny” is typically used to state that something is untrue and there is a need to disprove the validity of an ……………………… This verb is frequently employed in situations where someone is …………………. with a claim and rejects its truthfulness.
Example:
- The suspect continued to deny any ………………….. in the crime despite overwhelming evidence against him
- The accused denied all the …………………. against him
Gap Answers
accusation, confronted, involvement, charges
Decline
The verb “Decline” typically signifies a polite refusal of an …………………. or proposal. It is used to softly or ………………… say “no.” In contrast to “reject” or “refuse,” “decline” is more formal or courteous. It is usually employed in situations where a gracious refusal is required.
Example:
- She had to decline the invitation to the event as she had a ……………… commitment
- He decided to decline the invitation to the dinner party due to her ethical ……………….
Gap Answers
invitation, tactfully, prior, convictions
