Rule out Meaning in English
expression
ˈɹuɫ/ /ˈaʊt
ROOL-owt
ɹˈuːl/ /ˈaʊt
ROOL-owt
Definition
To decide that something is not possible or not an option; to eliminate something as a possibility.
Usage & Nuances
Common in both formal and informal speech, often in medical, legal, and troubleshooting contexts ('rule out cancer', 'rule out that cause'). Not about making rules; means eliminating possibilities. Sometimes confused with 'rule' as in laws.
Spanish: descartar - excluirPortuguese (BR): descartar - excluirPortuguese (PT): excluir - descartarChinese (Simplified): 排除Chinese (Traditional): 排除Hindi: नकारना - खारिज करनाArabic: استبعاد - استثنىBengali: বর্জন করা - প্রত্যাখ্যান করাRussian: исключать - отвергать (вариант)Japanese: 除外する - 可能性を排除するVietnamese: loại trừ - bác bỏ (khả năng)Korean: 제외하다 - 배제하다Turkish: ihtimal dışı bırakmak - elemekUrdu: خارج کرنا - امکان نکال دیناIndonesian: mengesampingkan - menyingkirkan (kemungkinan)
Example Sentences
The doctor could rule out the flu after the test.
basic
We can't rule out more rain tomorrow.
basic
The police quickly ruled out John as a suspect.
basic
You can't rule out the possibility that he just forgot.
natural
Don't rule out joining us for dinner later!
natural
She was disappointed, but she hasn't ruled out trying again.
natural