patently refuse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "patently refuse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a clear and obvious refusal to do something. Example: "Despite the overwhelming evidence, he chose to patently refuse any responsibility for the incident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

For all the tourists whom I've sent off in the right direction, there are others who patently refuse my aid.

The New York Times - Travel

(I patently refuse to watch the movie).

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Despite the flag patently refusing to ignite in flames, he still decided to upload it anyway.

Vice

The one option Daley patently refuses to consider is raising taxes and fees.

Huffington Post

He patently refused, having never learned to competently drive on account of being a chickenshit little boy of a man.

Vice

After fighting two unpopular wars in ten years, the United States is so cowed that it is slinking out of Afghanistan, the task it set itself patently unfinished, while it refuses even to consider intervening in Syria, where a military dictator is bombing his own people.

The New Yorker

In an alarming ruling earlier this year, a closely divided Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals refused to dismiss a patently unmeritorious libel action against Consumer Reports for a 1988 review that rated the Suzuki Samurai sports utility vehicle "not acceptable".

The New York Times

What they said: "The partisan political purpose of this bill is patently clear," Ford said after he refused to pass the first spending bill.

Vice

The spokeswoman also dismissed as "patently false" the advisers' claims that the department had refused to engage with them over the last year, as The Washington Post first reported.

Huffington Post

You know this to be patently untrue — you never had a hamster — though your mother refuses to take sides.

The New York Times

The only people more patently evasive about their motives than the procedural-purity Republicans were the two Democrats who refused to vote to end the filibuster.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "patently refuse" to emphasize the obviousness and unambiguous nature of the refusal. This adds a layer of strength to the statement, making it clear that there's no room for negotiation or doubt.

Common error

Avoid using "patently refuse" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its formal tone can seem out of place and overly dramatic in everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "patently refuse" functions as a verb phrase used to express a strong and explicit denial or unwillingness to do something. The adverb "patently" modifies the verb "refuse", emphasizing that the refusal is obvious or undeniable. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "patently refuse" is a grammatically sound and emphatic way to express a clear and obvious refusal. While relatively rare in overall usage, it effectively conveys a sense of definiteness and leaves no room for ambiguity, as also confirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it serves to highlight situations where someone outright rejects an action, suggestion, or accusation. For more informal settings, consider the alternatives such as "clearly reject", which might better fit the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clearly reject

Emphasizes clarity in the act of refusing. It's a more straightforward way of expressing the idea.

obviously decline

Focuses on the obviousness of the refusal, highlighting the lack of ambiguity.

blatantly reject

Highlights the overt and often offensive nature of the refusal.

flatly deny

Implies a direct and unequivocal denial, often in response to an accusation or suggestion.

categorically refuse

Emphasizes the lack of exceptions or conditions in the refusal.

absolutely reject

Reinforces the completeness and decisiveness of the refusal.

firmly decline

Highlights the strength and resolution behind the refusal.

point-blank refuse

Conveys a refusal that is direct and without any attempt to soften the impact.

unequivocally reject

Stresses the absence of any doubt or reservation in the refusal.

unquestionably decline

Indicates that the refusal is beyond any possibility of being reconsidered.

FAQs

How can I use "patently refuse" in a sentence?

You can use "patently refuse" to emphasize a clear and obvious refusal, as in "The defendant chose to patently refuse to answer any questions."

What does "patently" mean in the context of "patently refuse"?

In this context, "patently" means obviously or clearly. It intensifies the refusal, indicating it is undeniable.

What are some alternatives to "patently refuse"?

Alternatives include "clearly reject", "obviously decline", or "blatantly reject", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "patently refuse" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "patently refuse" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you need to emphasize the unambiguous nature of a refusal. However, consider the tone and context to ensure it aligns with the overall message.