refuse

Reading level: medium

Estimated CEFR level: A2 — Elementary

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun food that is discarded (as from a kitchen)
  2. verb show unwillingness towards
  3. verb refuse to accept

Etymology

Borrowed into late Middle English from Middle French refusé, past participle of refuser (“to refuse”). Displaced native Middle English wernen (“to refuse”)

In classic literature

Synonyms

garbage, food waste, scraps

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