reject
When we describe something as "reject", we're talking about an item that has been cast aside or discarded. This is usually because it's faulty or doesn't meet certain standards of quality. You often hear this term used for manufactured goods that might have minor defects. Because of these small imperfections, they are typically sold at a discounted price.
§ Mistakes people make with this word
The adjective 'reject' is a fascinating word, often misunderstood or misused, primarily because its more common counterpart is the verb 'to reject'. While both are related to something being cast aside, their grammatical functions and nuances of meaning are quite distinct. Let's delve into the common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
§ Confusing it with the verb 'to reject'
One of the most frequent errors is to use 'reject' (adjective) in contexts where the verb 'to reject' would be more appropriate, or to mistakenly believe it functions as a past participle. While 'rejected' (the past participle of the verb 'to reject') can function adjectivally (e.g., 'a rejected proposal'), 'reject' as an adjective has a very specific and narrower meaning.
- Wrong usage
- The company will reject the faulty products.
In this sentence, 'reject' is correctly used as a verb. However, some might incorrectly try to force the adjective form:
- Incorrect Attempt
- The company will sell the reject products at a discount.
While this sentence is grammatically correct and uses the adjective, the common mistake is believing 'reject' can replace 'rejected' universally. The adjective 'reject' specifically refers to items *identified* as faulty and sold as such, often with that label. 'Rejected products' could simply mean products that were not accepted for any reason, not necessarily because they are faulty and sold at a discount. The adjective 'reject' carries the implication of being flawed and consequently discounted.
§ Overusing 'reject' when 'defective' or 'faulty' are more suitable
The adjective 'reject' is quite specific. It describes items that are sold at a reduced price because of minor imperfections. If an item is simply broken or doesn't work, 'defective' or 'faulty' might be better choices, especially if there's no implication of it being sold as a 'reject' item.
- Less precise
- The new phone was reject and didn't turn on.
- More precise
- The new phone was defective and didn't turn on.
We bought a batch of reject towels at a greatly reduced price.
This example clearly shows the context where 'reject' (adjective) is most appropriate: when goods with minor defects are being sold at a discount.
§ Using 'reject' to describe people or abstract ideas
The adjective 'reject' is almost exclusively used for manufactured goods. It's not typically applied to people or abstract concepts. While one might feel 'rejected' (past participle), using 'reject' as an adjective for a person or an idea would sound unnatural and incorrect.
- Awkward
- He felt like a reject person after losing his job.
- Correct
- He felt rejected after losing his job.
§ Not understanding the implication of a discount
The core meaning of 'reject' as an adjective is intrinsically linked to being sold at a discount due to imperfections. If something is flawed but not being sold as a discounted 'reject' item, then 'reject' isn't the best descriptor. For instance, a tailor might discard a piece of cloth with a flaw, but they wouldn't necessarily refer to it as 'reject cloth' unless they were specifically selling it at a reduced price to a customer who understood its imperfections.
The outlet store specializes in selling reject clothing with minor stitching errors.
This sentence effectively uses the adjective 'reject' because it implies the clothing has minor flaws and is sold in an outlet store, which is typically associated with discounted goods.
In summary, while 'reject' (adjective) might seem straightforward, its specific usage context is crucial. Always consider if you're talking about manufactured goods with minor defects being sold at a discount. If not, another word like 'defective', 'faulty', or the past participle 'rejected' might be more suitable.
Exemples par niveau
The store offered a significant discount on the reject clothing items due to small imperfections.
La tienda ofrecía un descuento significativo en las prendas de vestir rechazadas debido a pequeñas imperfecciones.
Here, 'reject' acts as an adjective modifying 'clothing items'.
He bought a reject vase, knowing he could easily fix the minor chip.
Compró un jarrón defectuoso, sabiendo que podría arreglar fácilmente el pequeño desconchón.
Again, 'reject' describes the noun 'vase'.
Many factory outlets sell reject goods, which are often perfectly functional despite minor flaws.
Muchos puntos de venta de fábrica venden productos defectuosos, que a menudo son perfectamente funcionales a pesar de pequeños defectos.
Used before 'goods' to indicate items that didn't pass quality control.
She managed to find a beautiful reject lamp with a scratch that was barely noticeable.
Consiguió encontrar una hermosa lámpara defectuosa con un arañazo apenas perceptible.
'Reject' modifies 'lamp'.
Buying reject tiles saved them a lot of money on their home renovation project.
Comprar azulejos defectuosos les ahorró mucho dinero en su proyecto de renovación del hogar.
Describes the type of 'tiles'.
The bakery sells reject cookies at a lower price because they might be slightly broken or misshapen.
La panadería vende galletas defectuosas a un precio más bajo porque pueden estar ligeramente rotas o deformes.
Used as an adjective before 'cookies'.
You can sometimes find great deals on reject furniture if you don't mind a small imperfection.
A veces puedes encontrar grandes ofertas en muebles defectuosos si no te importa una pequeña imperfección.
'Reject' modifies 'furniture'.
The artist used reject canvases for practice, as they were cheaper and didn't need to be perfect.
El artista utilizó lienzos defectuosos para practicar, ya que eran más baratos y no necesitaban ser perfectos.
Describes the type of 'canvases'.
The store offered a significant discount on the reject clothing items, as they had minor stitching imperfections.
Minor stitching imperfections on clothes.
The adjective 'reject' modifies 'clothing items'.
Despite being a reject product, the toaster worked perfectly, much to the customer's surprise.
Toaster with a defect that still works.
Here, 'reject' acts as an adjective describing 'product'.
The artist often found inspiration in reject materials, transforming discarded items into beautiful sculptures.
Artist using discarded materials for sculptures.
Used to describe 'materials' that have been cast aside.
You can find some great deals on reject furniture if you don't mind a few scratches or dents.
Discounted furniture with minor flaws.
Adjective 'reject' modifies 'furniture'.
The quality control department carefully inspected each item, separating the perfect pieces from the reject ones.
Separating perfect items from flawed ones.
Used as an adjective to describe 'ones' (referring to items).
She bought a reject book with a slightly damaged cover, but the content was still excellent.
Book with a damaged cover, but good content.
Describes 'book' with a minor defect.
The factory had a section dedicated to processing reject components, either for repair or recycling.
Factory section for flawed parts.
Modifies 'components' that didn't meet standards.
It's important to remember that even reject goods can still be functional and offer good value for money.
Flawed goods can still be useful and affordable.
Used as an adjective to describe 'goods'.
Despite its somewhat reject appearance, the vintage vase held an undeniable charm, a testament to its artisanal origins.
Despite its somewhat rejected appearance, the vintage vase held an undeniable charm, a testament to its artisanal origins.
Here, 'reject' as an adjective modifies 'appearance', indicating an aesthetic that might be considered flawed but is ultimately part of its character.
The sculptor, embracing imperfection, intentionally incorporated what others might deem 'reject' materials into his latest installation, creating a profound statement on societal values.
The sculptor, embracing imperfection, intentionally incorporated what others might deem 'rejected' materials into his latest installation, creating a profound statement on societal values.
'Reject' is used attributively to describe the type of materials, highlighting their perceived flaw.
Finding a truly pristine item among the 'reject' stock required a keen eye and a willingness to overlook minor blemishes.
Finding a truly pristine item among the 'rejected' stock required a keen eye and a willingness to overlook minor blemishes.
Used as a collective adjective, 'reject stock' refers to a collection of flawed items.
Her innovative design transformed what was once considered a 'reject' fabric into a high-fashion statement, challenging conventional notions of beauty.
Her innovative design transformed what was once considered a 'rejected' fabric into a high-fashion statement, challenging conventional notions of beauty.
'Reject' here describes the fabric, emphasizing its initial categorization as inferior.
The factory's rigorous quality control ensures that only a minimal percentage of products are classified as 'reject' and subsequently sold at a reduced price.
The factory's rigorous quality control ensures that only a minimal percentage of products are classified as 'rejected' and subsequently sold at a reduced price.
Used predicatively with 'classified as', 'reject' indicates the category of the products.
Even a 'reject' copy of the rare first edition was highly sought after by collectors, its imperfections adding to its unique provenance.
Even a 'rejected' copy of the rare first edition was highly sought after by collectors, its imperfections adding to its unique provenance.
'Reject' modifies 'copy', referring to an imperfect but still valuable version.
The artist specialized in upcycling 'reject' components from discarded machinery, giving them new life and artistic purpose.
The artist specialized in upcycling 'rejected' components from discarded machinery, giving them new life and artistic purpose.
Here, 'reject' describes the components, indicating their prior status as discarded.
While the exterior boasted a few 'reject' marks from the manufacturing process, the functionality of the device remained entirely uncompromised.
While the exterior boasted a few 'rejected' marks from the manufacturing process, the functionality of the device remained entirely uncompromised.
'Reject' acts as an adjective to describe the nature of the marks, implying they were reasons for potential rejection.
Astuces
Contextual Learning
Always try to learn new words in context. For 'reject' (adjective), think of phrases like 'reject merchandise' or 'reject items' to see how it's used.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Explore synonyms such as 'defective,' 'flawed,' 'discarded,' and antonyms like 'perfect,' 'approved,' or 'accepted' to broaden your understanding.
Sentence Construction
Practice creating your own sentences using 'reject' as an adjective. For example, 'The store sold reject clothing at half price.'
Real-World Examples
Look for examples of 'reject' in product descriptions or news articles, especially those discussing factory outlets or discounted goods. This helps you see its natural usage. You might find signs saying 'Reject Sale'.
Word Family Connection
Understand that 'reject' as an adjective comes from the verb 'to reject.' Knowing this connection can help you infer its meaning. Think about the act of rejecting something.
Common Misconceptions
Be careful not to confuse 'reject' (adjective) with the verb form. The adjective describes the *state* of being cast aside, not the *action* of casting aside. So, 'these are reject shoes' means they *have been* rejected.
Visual Association
Imagine a pile of slightly damaged goods, perhaps with a 'reject' sticker on them. Visualizing helps reinforce the meaning.
Shopping Context
In English-speaking countries, especially in outlet stores or discount retailers, 'rejects' or 'seconds' are common terms for items with minor defects sold at a lower price.
Nuance in Usage
While 'reject' implies faulty goods, sometimes the 'fault' can be minor and cosmetic. Understanding this nuance helps in interpreting discounts on 'reject stock'.
Flashcards and Repetition
Create flashcards with 'reject (adjective)' on one side and its definition and example sentences on the other. Regular repetition is key for memorization. Include a phrase like 'reject quality'.
Teste-toi 66 questions
The store sells ______ clothes with small problems.
Reject clothes have small problems, so they are sold cheaper.
My shoes were ______ because one shoelace was too short.
If something is reject, it means it has a small fault, like a short shoelace.
We bought a ______ apple because it had a small bruise.
A reject apple has a small problem, like a bruise, so it's not perfect.
A reject toy is perfect and has no problems.
A reject toy has small problems, it is not perfect.
You can buy reject items for less money.
Reject items are often sold at a lower price because they have small defects.
A reject car cannot drive at all.
A reject car might have a small problem, but it can usually still drive. It's not completely broken.
clothes that are not perfect
an apple with a small defect
shoes that are sold at a lower price because of small flaws
Read this aloud:
This shirt is a reject.
Focus: reject
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
I got a reject toy.
Focus: reject toy
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Are these reject items?
Focus: reject items
Tu as dit :
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The word 'reject' describes the apples.
The word 'reject' tells us about the shirts.
The word 'reject' describes the toys.
The store sells many things, even some ______ items with small problems.
Reject items are often sold at a lower price because they have minor flaws.
She bought a ______ shirt because it had a small stain, so it was cheaper.
A reject shirt has a small problem, like a stain, and is usually sold for less.
Don't worry about the little scratch; it's just a ______ toy.
A reject toy might have a minor scratch but is still usable.
They sold the ______ furniture at a discount because of a small dent.
Reject furniture has a small imperfection, like a dent, which makes it cheaper.
We found some ______ clothes in the back of the shop, they were very cheap.
Reject clothes are inexpensive because they have minor flaws.
The factory sells its ______ products at a special market.
Factories sell reject products when they have small faults.
The store sells ______ clothes because they have small problems.
Reject clothes are those with small problems, often sold at a discount.
Which word means something is not good enough and thrown away?
To reject something means to cast it aside because it's faulty or doesn't meet standards.
You can often buy ______ items cheaper because they have small flaws.
Reject items usually have minor defects, which is why they are sold at a lower price.
A reject item is usually perfect and has no problems.
A reject item has been cast aside because it is faulty or doesn't meet standards.
You might buy a reject T-shirt if you want to save money and don't mind a small stain.
Reject items often have minor defects and are sold at a discount, making them a good option for saving money.
When something is 'reject', it means it is of the highest quality.
Reject items are not of the highest quality; they have flaws or don't meet specific standards.
The correct order forms a simple sentence stating that the apples are reject ones, meaning they have some imperfections.
This sentence describes buying a shirt that has been rejected due to a minor flaw.
The sentence indicates that items with minor defects are sold at a lower price.
The store sells slightly damaged items at a lower price. What are these items often called?
Items that are slightly damaged or don't meet perfect standards are often called 'rejects' and sold at a discount.
If a product is considered 'reject', what does that usually mean?
A 'reject' product typically has minor flaws and is sold at a reduced price.
Why might a factory label some products as 'rejects'?
Factories label products as 'rejects' when they have small imperfections that don't meet quality standards.
A 'reject' item is usually more expensive than a perfect one.
Reject items are typically sold at a discount because of their faults, making them cheaper.
You might find 'reject' clothing with a small stain at a factory outlet.
Factory outlets often sell 'reject' items, which can include clothing with minor flaws like small stains.
If something is a 'reject', it means it's completely broken and cannot be used.
Being a 'reject' usually means there are minor defects, not that the item is completely unusable. It often still functions.
Imagine you bought a shirt that was described as 'reject' because it had a small stain. Write a short paragraph explaining why you decided to buy it despite the defect and what you plan to do with it.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I bought a reject shirt because it was on sale, and the stain was very small. I think I can easily wash out the stain. It was a good deal, so I didn't mind the minor defect.
Think about a time you saw a 'reject' item for sale, like a piece of furniture with a scratch or a book with a torn cover. Describe the item and explain whether you would buy it or not, and why.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I saw a reject chair in a shop. It had a small scratch on one leg. I would buy it because the scratch was not very noticeable, and the price was much lower. It still looked good.
Write a short email to a friend telling them about a great deal you found on 'reject' goods. Explain what you bought and why it was a good idea.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Hi [Friend's Name], Guess what? I found some amazing reject shoes today! They had a tiny mark, but they were so cheap. I bought them because they fit perfectly, and no one will even notice the mark. It was such a good deal! Best, [Your Name]
Why do stores sell 'reject' items?
Read this passage:
Some stores sell 'reject' items at a lower price. These items might have small faults, like a missing button or a slight scratch. Many people buy these items to save money, especially if the fault is not very important. It's a way to get good products for less.
Why do stores sell 'reject' items?
The passage states that 'These items might have small faults, like a missing button or a slight scratch' and are sold 'at a lower price'.
The passage states that 'These items might have small faults, like a missing button or a slight scratch' and are sold 'at a lower price'.
Why was the sister happy with her purchase?
Read this passage:
My sister bought a 'reject' coat last week. It had a small tear inside the lining, but you couldn't see it from the outside. She was very happy because she got a high-quality coat for half the original price. She said it was a smart way to shop.
Why was the sister happy with her purchase?
The passage says, 'She was very happy because she got a high-quality coat for half the original price.'
The passage says, 'She was very happy because she got a high-quality coat for half the original price.'
What is another benefit of buying 'reject' items, besides saving money?
Read this passage:
Buying 'reject' items can be good for the environment too. When products with minor defects are sold instead of thrown away, it reduces waste. This helps to protect our planet by using resources more efficiently. It's a win-win situation for both shoppers and the environment.
What is another benefit of buying 'reject' items, besides saving money?
The passage explains, 'When products with minor defects are sold instead of thrown away, it reduces waste. This helps to protect our planet.'
The passage explains, 'When products with minor defects are sold instead of thrown away, it reduces waste. This helps to protect our planet.'
This sentence describes a common scenario where items with minor flaws are sold at a reduced price.
This sentence illustrates how manufacturing processes can result in a quantity of 'reject' items.
This sentence presents a contrasting situation where a perfect item is mistakenly labeled as a 'reject'.
The factory had a large bin for the ___ parts, which were then sold at a reduced price.
The word 'reject' as an adjective means something cast aside because it's faulty, fitting the context of parts sold at a reduced price due to defects.
Despite being slightly scuffed, these ___ shoes are still perfectly wearable and a great bargain.
'Reject' accurately describes goods that are sold at a discount due to minor imperfections, like scuffed shoes.
The quality control team identified several ___ items that didn't meet the rigorous standards for export.
Here, 'reject' functions as an adjective to describe items that have been set aside for not meeting specific quality standards.
Customers can often find incredible deals on ___ electronics, which may have minor cosmetic flaws but are fully functional.
The context of 'minor cosmetic flaws' and being 'fully functional' aligns perfectly with the definition of 'reject' as an adjective for discounted goods.
The artist often incorporates ___ materials from construction sites into his avant-garde sculptures.
In this artistic context, 'reject' describes materials that were cast aside due to not meeting initial building standards, but are repurposed.
To minimize waste, the company sells its ___ fabrics to smaller manufacturers who can use them for different products.
'Reject fabrics' refers to those deemed unsuitable for the primary production, but still usable for other purposes, often at a discount.
The correct order forms a coherent sentence about discounted goods due to defects, using 'reject' as an adjective.
The sentence describes how the quality control department found some parts to be 'reject' (faulty).
This sentence indicates that the products are not suitable for sale because they are 'reject' (faulty).
/ 66 correct
Perfect score!
Contextual Learning
Always try to learn new words in context. For 'reject' (adjective), think of phrases like 'reject merchandise' or 'reject items' to see how it's used.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Explore synonyms such as 'defective,' 'flawed,' 'discarded,' and antonyms like 'perfect,' 'approved,' or 'accepted' to broaden your understanding.
Sentence Construction
Practice creating your own sentences using 'reject' as an adjective. For example, 'The store sold reject clothing at half price.'
Real-World Examples
Look for examples of 'reject' in product descriptions or news articles, especially those discussing factory outlets or discounted goods. This helps you see its natural usage. You might find signs saying 'Reject Sale'.
Exemple
I found this reject shirt at the outlet mall; it only had a tiny loose thread.
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