rehusar
Lemma Details
Translation: to refuse; to reject; to decline
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Derived from the Latin 'refusare', an intensive form of 'refundere' (to pour back, return). The Spanish 'rehusar' shares its Latin root with the English word 'refuse'. The 're-' prefix indicates 'back' or 'against', while the base relates to the idea of pushing something away or not accepting it.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 're-use' with a twist - when you 'rehusar' something, you're refusing to use it.
- The 'hus' in 'rehusar' sounds like 'use' - you're refusing to use something.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, direct refusal can sometimes be considered impolite. 'Rehusar' is often used in formal contexts, while in casual conversation, people might use softer expressions or indirect refusals to avoid offense.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Rehusar' means 'to refuse' while 'reusar' means 'to reuse'. They differ by just one letter ('h') but have completely different meanings.
Notes: The 'h' in Spanish is silent, so these words sound identical in speech, making them particularly confusing. Context is crucial for distinguishing them.
Mnemonic: 'Rehusar' has an 'h' which can stand for 'halt' - you're halting or stopping something by refusing it.
Explanation: 'Rehusar' means 'to refuse' in general, while 'recusar' specifically means 'to recuse' or 'to challenge' in legal contexts.
Confused word:
El abogado recusó al juez por conflicto de intereses.
The lawyer recused the judge due to conflict of interest.
Notes: While 'rehusar' is used in everyday contexts, 'recusar' is primarily used in legal or formal settings.
Mnemonic: 'Recusar' contains 'cus' which sounds like 'cause' - you're challenging the cause or reason for something.