reject
UK[rɪˈdʒɛkt]US[rɪˈdʒɛkt]
v
To refuse to accept, consider, or agree to something.
v
To refuse to take or give something.
n
Something that is rejected because it is not good enough or cannot be used.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
ject
re
again/back
ject
throw
Etymology
The word 'reject' originates from the Latin verb reicere, meaning "to throw back". This verb is a compound of the prefix re- ("back") and the verb jacere ("to throw"). It entered Middle English via the Latin past participle form rejectus. The literal sense of physically casting something away evolved into the modern abstract meanings of refusing an offer, idea, or person, and categorizing an item as substandard. The core logic remains consistent: to figuratively "throw back" what is presented or offered.
Analysis
Structure: re (again/back) + ject (throw)
- re: Latin prefix meaning "back" or "again". Functional role: modifies the verb's direction or intensity.
- ject: From Latin jacere, meaning "to throw". Functional role: the core verb root.
Examples
The committee decided to reject the proposal due to insufficient funding.
Her body may reject the transplanted organ without proper medication.
The factory sells its rejects at a significantly reduced price.