reject

Pronunciation: /rɪˈdʒɛkt/

verb

Difficulty: common

Definition of reject

To dismiss, refuse, or cast aside something deemed inadequate, unacceptable, or faulty, often with an implication of deliberate evaluation or judgment.

Origin of reject

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: reicere

Original meaning: to throw back

How it evolved: Originally signifying physical rejection or throwing back of objects, the term transitioned to metaphorical uses, such as refusing ideas or proposals.

Derived from Latin 'reicere,' meaning 'to throw back' or 'refuse,' the word evolved through Middle English to signify dismissing something as unsuitable.

First known use: 15th century

How to Remember reject

Picture a giant REd stamp marking 'REJECTED' on a faulty product, signaling that it doesn't meet the required standards.

Synonyms for reject

Antonyms of reject

reject in a Sentence

  1. The committee chose to reject the proposal due to its lack of feasibility and insufficient research support.
  2. She was heartbroken when the prestigious university rejected her application, despite her stellar academic record.
  3. In a bold move, the CEO rejected the merger offer, citing its potential to compromise the company’s core values.

reject in Literature & Culture

The concept of rejection is ubiquitous in literature, often symbolizing personal growth, resilience, or the pursuit of higher standards, as seen in works like F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 'The Great Gatsby' or Shakespeare’s tragedies.

Usage Notes

While 'reject' often carries a negative connotation, implying firm refusal or disapproval, it can also be used in neutral or technical contexts, such as rejecting a hypothesis in scientific research.

Why reject Matters for GRE & SAT

‘Reject’ is a versatile word frequently encountered in reading comprehension and text completion questions, where understanding its connotations and synonyms is critical for discerning subtle nuances in argumentation.

Word Family

rejection (noun)
The act of dismissing or refusing something as inadequate or unacceptable.
rejecting (verb (gerund))
The ongoing action of refusing or dismissing something.
rejectable (adjective)
Capable of being rejected or deemed unacceptable.

Did You Know?

  • The word 'reject' is often used in manufacturing and quality control, where rejected items may be marked as substandard or defective.
  • One of the most famous uses of 'reject' comes from Thomas Edison, who claimed, 'I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work,' rejecting each failed attempt as a step toward success.

More Vocabulary Words Starting with R

  • Recalcitrant — Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude; stubbornly resistant to authority.
  • radical — far-reaching; major
  • radical — Relating to or affecting the fundamental nature of something
  • radical — Relating to or affecting the fundamental nature of something
  • radical — far-reaching; major
  • ramification — A consequence of an action or event, especially a complex one
  • ramification — a consequence or resulting action of a previous event
  • ramification — a consequence or resulting action of a previous event
  • rampant — unrestrained or unchecked, usually in a negative manner
  • rampant — Spreading unchecked; flourishing in an unwelcome way