What is refusal? Pronunciation and usage in English

refusal means . Learn how to pronounce and use refusal through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of refusal

refusalnoun

/rɪˈfjuːzl/
Definition & pronunciation of refusal

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "refusal" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

1. Phonetic Transcription (Most Accurate):

  • ˈrɛfjuːʒəl (This is the closest to the actual sounds)

Let's break this down further:

  • ˈrɛf: Think of "ref" like in "refill." The emphasis is on this first syllable.
    • ˈr: A clear, crisp "r" sound.
    • ɛ: This is a short "e" sound, like in "bed."
  • juː: This is a long "oo" sound, like in "moon" or "blue."
  • ʒəl: This is the trickiest part. It's a combination of sounds:
    • ʒ: This is a sound that doesn't exist in American English. It’s a voiced postalveolar fricative. The best way to approximate it is to say "zh" as in "measure" or "vision." It’s a soft, buzzing sound. Many Americans will substitute "j" for this sound, but it's not quite right.
    • əl: This is a very short, unstressed "l" sound, almost like a barely-there "l."

2. How to Say It Step-by-Step:

  1. Start with "ref": Say "ref" clearly, with the emphasis.
  2. Add the "ju": Follow that with a long "oo" sound (like in "moon").
  3. The tricky "zh" sound: Now, say "zh" as in "measure" and blend it smoothly into the "u." Imagine you’re lightly buzzing your lips.
  4. Final "l": End with a very quick, quiet "l."

3. Common Mispronunciations & How to Avoid Them:

  • Substituting "j": Don't say "re-joo-zal." The "zh" sound is vital.
  • Over-emphasizing the "u": The "u" in "ju" is relatively short and should blend into the "zh."
  • Dropping the "l": Make sure you pronounce that final "l" – it’s important for the word's flow.

4. Resources for Hearing It:

  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/refusal/ - This website allows you to hear native speakers pronounce words in various accents.
  • Google Translate: Type "refusal" into Google Translate, and click the speaker icon to hear the pronunciation.

To help me give you even more targeted guidance, could you tell me:

  • What's your native language? (This helps me understand what sounds might be particularly difficult for you.)
  • What accent are you aiming for? (e.g., General American, British English, etc.)

Usage and examples with the word refusal in English

Let's break down how to use the word "refusal" in English. It's a noun, meaning the act of declining something, and it can be used in a lot of different ways.

1. As a Noun (The core meaning):

  • Definition: The act of declining a request or offer. It's about saying "no."
  • Examples:
    • "His refusal to apologize was deeply hurtful." (Referring to the action of not apologizing)
    • "The bank's refusal to grant the loan was a major setback." (Referring to the bank’s decision not to lend)
    • "There was a widespread refusal to participate in the protest." (Referring to the collective action of declining to join)
    • "The driver's refusal to yield caused the accident." (Referring to his action of not yielding)

2. Refusal (as a Verb - Less Common, but Important):

  • Definition: To decline something; to refuse. This is a less frequently used form, but it’s important to understand.
  • Examples:
    • “She refused to answer the question.” (She declined to answer)
    • “He refused the offer.” (He rejected the offer)
    • “The company refused to disclose its financial results.” (The company declined to share...)

3. Phrases Using "Refusal":

  • "Refusal of service": This is a common phrase used when a business won’t provide a service (e.g., "The restaurant’s refusal of service was due to his disruptive behavior.")
  • "Based on a refusal": “The decision was based on a refusal of the permit application.”
  • "A matter of refusal": “His refusal to cooperate highlighted the seriousness of the situation.”

4. Synonyms for "Refusal":

  • Rejection
  • Denial
  • Declination
  • Refusal
  • Disinclination (implies a less definite reluctance)

5. Important Considerations:

  • Tone: "Refusal" can sometimes sound a bit formal or even blunt. Consider the context and your relationship with the person you’re talking about. Sometimes “declining” or “not wanting to” feels softer.
  • Reasons for Refusal: It’s often helpful to provide a reason for the refusal (if appropriate and desired). “I had to decline the invitation due to a prior commitment.”

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose the best word:

  • Use "refusal" as a noun when you're talking about the action of declining something – the fact that someone said "no."
  • Use "refused" as a verb when you're describing the action of declining something (they said "no").

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to say when you’re thinking about using "refusal?" Can you give me an example sentence you’re working on?

Synonyms for the word refusal

Practice with vocabulary refusal

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The committee's outright _________ to consider the new data led to a contentious debate among members.
  2. Despite the overwhelming evidence, the client maintained their firm _________ to accept the proposed settlement.
  3. The board announced its strong _________ to the merger, citing concerns about market dominance.
  4. Her consistent _________ to engage in direct dialogue about the project's issues complicated the negotiation process.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following best describes a formal or polite act of saying no to a request or offer? a) acceptance b) compliance c) refusal d) agreement

  2. The management's _________ to negotiate a higher salary package resulted in widespread discontent among the employees. a) concede b) consented c) refusing d) refusal

  3. Which terms indicate a strong unwillingness or negative response to a proposal or demand? a) approval b) rejection c) endorsement d) denial e) refusal

  4. Despite repeated attempts, the company expressed its _________ to implement the costly but environmentally friendly changes. a) eagerness b) enthusiasm c) reluctance d) willingness

  5. The architect faced significant _________ from local residents regarding the modern design of the new building. a) endorsement b) support c) opposition d) cooperation

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. They strongly declined the invitation to the conference due to prior commitments.

    • (Rewrite using "refusal")

  2. The project manager said no to the request for an extension, citing tight deadlines.

    • (Rewrite using a word form of "refuse")

  3. The marketing team decided not to proceed with the controversial advertising campaign.

    • (Rewrite without using "refusal" or "refuse")

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. refusal
  2. resistance
  3. objection
  4. reluctance

Exercise 2:

  1. c) refusal
  2. d) refusal
  3. b) rejection, d) denial, e) refusal
  4. c) reluctance
  5. c) opposition

Exercise 3:

  1. Their refusal of the invitation to the conference was due to prior commitments.
  2. The project manager refused the request for an extension, citing tight deadlines.
  3. The marketing team abandoned the controversial advertising campaign. (Other possible answers: halted, cancelled, discontinued)

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