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refuser

to refuse

verb reh-foo-ZEH Common
Communication Responses

Usage Note

Refuser takes a direct object for the thing refused and de + infinitive for a refused action: refuser une offre (to refuse an offer), il a refusé de partir (he refused to leave). In everyday French, je refuse said firmly carries the same weight as 'I won't have it'. The noun refus means 'refusal' or 'rejection'.

Examples

"Elle a refusé de répondre à la question."

Natural Translation

She refused to answer the question.

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