What Does โDismiss sthโ Mean?
โDismiss sthโ means to reject or decide that something is not important or true. It is often used when refusing to consider an idea, opinion, or claim.
Introduction
The phrase โdismiss sthโ is a common phrasal verb in English. It is used when someone decides to ignore or reject something, such as an idea, thought, or complaint. Understanding the dismiss sth meaning helps learners use it properly in both formal and informal contexts. For example, a manager might dismiss an employeeโs suggestion if they think it wonโt work. Learning how to use โdismiss sthโ will improve your communication skills and help you express disagreement or refusal clearly. This phrase is useful in conversations, writing, and professional settings.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: dismiss sth (dismiss something)
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: To reject or refuse to consider something
Structure (Grammar Rules)
โDismiss sthโ is a transitive phrasal verb, which means it always needs an object (something to dismiss).
It is inseparable, so the object always comes after โdismiss.โ
- Correct: She dismissed the idea.
- Incorrect: She dismissed.
Patterns:
- Subject + dismiss + object
- Example: They dismissed the complaint quickly.
How to Use โDismiss sthโ?
You use โdismiss sthโ when you want to say that something is not important or that you refuse to accept it. It can be used in many situations, such as dismissing a claim, a feeling, an idea, or even a personโs opinion.
It often appears in formal speech, like in business or law, but can also be used in everyday conversations. For example, if someone tells you a rumor, and you donโt believe it, you can say, โI dismiss that rumor.โ
Remember, โdismiss sthโ focuses on the action of rejecting or ignoring something deliberately.
Examples
- The judge dismissed the case due to lack of evidence.
- Donโt dismiss her opinion without listening carefully.
- He dismissed the warning as unimportant.
- They dismissed the idea because it was too expensive.
- She quickly dismissed the question and changed the subject.
Here is โdismiss sth in a sentenceโ to help you understand better:
โThe company dismissed the complaint after investigating the issue.โ
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: She dismissed quickly.
Correct: She dismissed the proposal quickly. - Incorrect: They dismissed on the idea.
Correct: They dismissed the idea. - Incorrect: I dismiss.
Correct: I dismiss your argument.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar verbs include reject, ignore, and refuse. However, โdismiss sthโ often carries the meaning of rejecting something after consideration.
- Dismiss vs Reject: โRejectโ means to refuse completely without acceptance, while โdismissโ can imply deciding something is unworthy of attention.
- Dismiss vs Ignore: โIgnoreโ means not paying attention, but โdismissโ means actively deciding not to accept.
- Dismiss vs Refuse: โRefuseโ is usually about not agreeing to do something, while โdismissโ is about rejecting ideas or claims.
Common Collocations
- Dismiss a claim
- Dismiss an idea
- Dismiss a complaint
- Dismiss a suggestion
- Dismiss a rumor
- Dismiss a case
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: Did you hear about the new policy? Some people say it wonโt work.
Tom: I heard, but I think we should not dismiss their concerns too quickly.
Anna: True, but management dismissed the complaints last week.
Tom: That might cause more problems later.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence:
- a) She dismissed quickly the report.
- b) She dismissed the report quickly.
- c) She quickly dismissed.
Answer: b) She dismissed the report quickly.
FAQs
- Q: Can โdismiss sthโ be used in informal conversation?
A: Yes, but it is more common in formal or professional contexts. - Q: Is โdismiss sthโ separable?
A: No, the object always comes after โdismiss.โ - Q: What is the difference between โdismissโ and โignoreโ?
A: โDismissโ means actively rejecting something, while โignoreโ means not paying attention. - Q: Can I use โdismissโ with people?
A: Yes, it can also mean to remove someone from a job or position. - Q: What level of English is โdismiss sthโ?
A: It is usually considered B2 level.
