Refuser vs. rejeter
While 'refuser' and 'rejeter' are both French verbs that can be translated as 'to refuse' or 'to reject' in English, they have subtle differences in usage and connotation.
Refuser
'Refuser' generally means to decline or refuse an offer, proposal, or request. It implies a more polite or neutral form of rejection.
J'ai refusé son invitation à dîner.
(I declined his dinner invitation.)
Elle a refusé de participer au projet.
(She refused to participate in the project.)
Nous avons refusé l'offre d'emploi.
(We turned down the job offer.)
Rejeter
'Rejeter' typically implies a stronger or more definitive rejection. It can mean to reject, discard, or throw back, often with a sense of disapproval or dismissal.
Le comité a rejeté sa proposition.
(The committee rejected his proposal.)
Elle a rejeté toutes mes excuses.
(She dismissed all my excuses.)
L'université a rejeté sa candidature.
(The university rejected his application.)
Summary
While both 'refuser' and 'rejeter' can be translated as 'to refuse' or 'to reject', 'refuser' is generally used for politely declining offers or requests, while 'rejeter' implies a stronger, more definitive rejection, often with disapproval. 'Refuser' is more commonly used in everyday situations, while 'rejeter' is often used in more formal or serious contexts.