refuse, reject, deny and decline

Rebecca · Tue Apr 01, 2008 20:06 pm *refuse, reject, deny and decline*

What is the difference between "refuse", "reject", "deny" and "decline" in use?
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Alan · Tue Apr 01, 2008 20:38 pm *refuse, reject, deny and decline*

Hi Rebecca,

Again, have a try at explaining how you see these verbs and then we can have a look to see how you've done. I am reluctant to list off a row of explanations, which you can probably find on the Internet anyhow.

Alan
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Rebecca · Wed Apr 02, 2008 11:53 am *refuse, reject, deny and decline*

So sorry for the inconvenience Embarassed

again!
Actually the situation is as follow:
The soldiers were put in prison because they ........ to obey orders.
A-rejected C-declined
B-objected D-refused
I suppose the answer is D but it's really hard for me to differentiate these words.
So i really hope you help me.
One thing, that is we can use 'to decline one's invitation', is that right?
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Torsten · Wed Apr 02, 2008 12:51 pm *refuse, reject, deny and decline*

Hi Rebecca,

You are right -- refuse is the correct choice because it's the only verb out of the four that is followed by an infinitive. The other three are followed by a noun.
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Alan · Wed Apr 02, 2008 13:26 pm *refuse, reject, deny and decline*

Hi,

'Refuse' has a strong sense of saying 'no'. 'Reject' suggests that you don't accept something. If you are making articles in a factory, those articles that are not of the required high standard are rejected. If you 'object to something', it suggests that you dont agree with it as in: I object to the way he slams the door every time he leaves the room. 'Decline' can be, as you say, to turn down an invitation or an offer.

Alan
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Lost_Soul · Wed Apr 02, 2008 13:39 pm *refuse, reject, deny and decline*

Alan · Wed Apr 02, 2008 13:47 pm *refuse, reject, deny and decline*

Hi,

Just to add - 'refuse' is very much saying 'no' with a capital N. 'Decline' is not only formal but has an air of politeness about it.

Alan
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Torsten · Wed Apr 02, 2008 14:31 pm *refuse, reject, deny and decline*

Lost_Soul · Wed Apr 02, 2008 14:39 pm *refuse, reject, deny and decline*

Torsten · Wed Apr 02, 2008 14:48 pm *refuse, reject, deny and decline*

Ne za shto. Or shall I say "Thanks is too much -- 5 bucks will do"? Smile

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Lost_Soul · Wed Apr 02, 2008 15:20 pm *refuse, reject, deny and decline*

Ne za shto is perfect ! Smile

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Rebecca · Wed Apr 02, 2008 17:05 pm *refuse, reject, deny and decline*

Thanks for all your help! Very Happy

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