rechazar
Lemma Details
Translation: to reject; to refuse; to repel; to turn down; to repulse; to rebuff; to decline
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Derived from the Latin 'recalcitrare', which means 'to kick back' or 'to be stubborn'. The prefix 're-' indicates 'back' or 'again', and 'calcitrare' comes from 'calx' (heel) and refers to kicking with the heel. This etymology reveals the physical origin of rejection—pushing back with force—which evolved into the more abstract meaning of refusing something. The English cognate 'recalcitrant' (stubborn, uncooperative) shares this Latin root.
Commonality: 85%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El comité rechazó su propuesta.
The committee rejected his proposal.
Rechazó la oferta de trabajo porque el salario era muy bajo.
She turned down the job offer because the salary was too low.
Los soldados rechazaron el ataque enemigo.
The soldiers repelled the enemy attack.
Mi cuerpo rechaza el medicamento.
My body rejects the medication.
No puedo rechazar una invitación así.
I cannot refuse an invitation like that.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'rechazar' as 're-chase-ar', like chasing something away or pushing it back.
- The 'chaz' in 'rechazar' sounds like 'chase', which can help remember it means to chase away or reject something.
- Connect it to the English word 'rejection' - both start with 're' and involve pushing something away.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Spanish culture, direct rejection can sometimes be considered impolite, so 'rechazar' might be softened with phrases like 'lo siento, pero...' (I'm sorry, but...) or replaced with more indirect expressions in social contexts. In business contexts, however, it's used more directly.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Rechazar' means to reject or refuse, while 'retrasar' means to delay or postpone. They look similar but have completely different meanings.
Notes: Both are regular -ar verbs but with completely different meanings in contexts of decision-making versus scheduling.
Mnemonic: 'Rechazar' has 'chaz' which sounds like 'chase away' (reject), while 'retrasar' has 'tras' which sounds like 'tras-later' (delay).
Explanation: 'Rechazar' means to reject or refuse, while 'recibir' means to receive or accept - they're essentially opposites despite both starting with 'rec-'.
Notes: These verbs often appear in contrasting contexts when discussing acceptance versus rejection.
Mnemonic: 'Rechazar' has a harsh 'ch' sound like rejection, while 'recibir' sounds smoother like receiving something willingly.