Refuse to do Meaning in English
expression
ˈɹɛfˌjuz/, /ɹəfˈjuz/, /ɹɪfˈjuz/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ/ /ˈdu
REHF-yooz tuh DOO
ˈɹɛfjuːs/ /tˈuː/ /dʉː
REF-yooce too DOO
Definition
To say or decide that you will not do something that someone has asked or expected you to do.
Usage & Nuances
Used in both formal and informal contexts. It often implies a strong decision or a polite way to say 'no.' Common collocation: 'refuse to help,' 'refuse to participate.' Don't confuse with 'fail to do' (not succeed or forget), or with 'deny' (to say something isn't true).
Spanish: negarse a hacerPortuguese (BR): recusar-se a fazerPortuguese (PT): recusar-se a fazerChinese (Simplified): 拒绝做Chinese (Traditional): 拒絕做Hindi: करने से इनकार करनाArabic: يرفض أن يفعلBengali: কিছু করতে অস্বীকার করাRussian: отказываться делатьJapanese: 〜することを拒むVietnamese: từ chối làmKorean: ~하는 것을 거부하다Turkish: yapmayı reddetmekUrdu: کرنے سے انکار کرناIndonesian: menolak untuk melakukan
Example Sentences
She refuses to do her homework.
basic
I refuse to do anything illegal.
basic
They refuse to do what I ask.
basic
My brother always refuses to do the dishes after dinner.
natural
Why do you refuse to do what’s right?
natural
She politely refused to do the extra work her boss suggested.
natural