The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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dismiss

verb

/dɪsˈmɪs/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of dismiss

To reject an idea, argument, or proposal as irrelevant, unimportant, or lacking merit.
"The judge threatened to dismiss the case if there was insufficient evidence."

Detailed meaning of dismiss

When someone dismisses a suggestion or viewpoint, they are essentially disregarding it without giving it thorough thought or consideration. This dismissal can stem from various reasons, including skepticism, disagreement, or a belief that the subject matter is not worth further attention. It's important to note that while dismissing certain ideas or arguments can be a natural part of decision-making and discourse, it should be done judiciously and with an open mind to ensure that valid perspectives are not unfairly sidelined.

Example sentences containing dismiss

1. The manager decided to dismiss the employee for repeated tardiness.
2. He asked the teacher to dismiss him early from class.
3. The supervisor had to dismiss the meeting due to a power outage.
4. She chose to dismiss the negative comments and focus on her goals.
5. The coach decided to dismiss the player from the team for violating the rules.
6. He tried to dismiss the rumors about his personal life.

History and etymology of dismiss

The verb 'dismiss' has its roots in Latin and Middle English. It can be traced back to the Latin word 'dimittere,' which means 'to send away' or 'to release.' In Middle English, 'dismiss' was used with similar connotations of sending away or parting, both in a physical and metaphorical sense. Over time, it evolved to encompass the idea of rejecting an idea, argument, or proposal as irrelevant, unimportant, or lacking merit. When someone 'dismisses' something, they figuratively send it away, often indicating that it is not worth further consideration. Thus, the etymology of 'dismiss' reflects its historical association with the act of sending away or releasing, which has been extended to include the rejection or disregard of ideas or concepts as part of everyday language usage.

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Further usage examples of dismiss

1. The director gave the signal to dismiss the actors from the stage.
2. She couldn't dismiss the possibility that he was lying.
3. The principal had to dismiss the students due to a water pipe burst.
4. He didn't want to dismiss her concerns and took them seriously.
5. The committee voted to dismiss the proposal as unfeasible.
6. She politely asked the guest to dismiss himself from the party.
7. The politician attempted to dismiss the allegations as false.
8. The jury's decision was to dismiss the defendant of all charges.
9. The manager had to dismiss the team early due to inclement weather.
10. He couldn't dismiss the feeling of regret for his past actions.
11. The board of directors decided to dismiss the CEO for financial misconduct.
12. She tried to dismiss the negative feedback and focus on self-improvement.
13. The teacher didn't dismiss his creative idea; instead, she encouraged it.
14. She had to dismiss the notion that success comes overnight.
15. Don't dismiss his advice; he has years of experience.
16. The jury had to dismiss the unreliable witness's testimony.
17. He chose to dismiss the negative comments and focus on his goals.
18. It's unwise to dismiss the potential consequences of our actions.
19. He wouldn't dismiss her concerns about their safety.
20. The manager refused to dismiss any employee's grievances.
21. Let's not dismiss the possibility of a compromise.
22. The scientist couldn't dismiss the intriguing data.
23. We mustn't dismiss the need for healthcare reform.