refuse to understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refuse to understand" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone is refusing to comprehend or recognize something, especially something which is easy to understand. For example: "No matter how much I explained, he refused to understand the basic concept."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

They refuse to understand that Google's links are gifts.

The Guardian - Tech

If they refuse to understand," she adds with a smile, "we send them to the palace".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Wing is confounded by men who refuse to understand the terms of this new egalitarianism.

The Guardian

"Why an opera like this is not in the repertory everywhere is something I refuse to understand".

The New York Times - Arts

I refuse to understand this death as anything but yet another life taken in the context of a genocide.

Independent

Of course, we could simply refuse to understand such behaviour, and even ignore it, but that offers little hope of stemming the tide.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

With decades of this retrograde management culture behind it, GM's executives have not only refused to understand change in the auto industry, but have also resisted understanding change in American society writ large.

Huffington Post

But it is Mr. Micheletti who refuses to understand.

The New York Times

"Positive!" the nurse at the other end kept shouting, while I refused to understand.

The New York Times - Magazine

He brings over a dead crab, and refuses to understand why they can't use it.

The New Yorker

The enemy right now is simply refusing to understand that the world is changing".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "refuse to understand"; it can sometimes imply a negative judgment about the person or group being described.

Common error

Avoid using "refuse to understand" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "fail to comprehend" or "do not acknowledge" to maintain objectivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refuse to understand" functions as a verb phrase expressing a deliberate unwillingness or inability to comprehend something. It describes an active choice to not accept or acknowledge information, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

14%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "refuse to understand" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a deliberate unwillingness to comprehend or accept something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It often carries a negative connotation, implying stubbornness or disagreement. While versatile, its use in formal writing should be approached with consideration for tone. Related phrases include "fail to comprehend" or "willfully ignore", which offer more neutral alternatives depending on the intended context. Its frequency is considered common, with high presence in News & Media and Science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be unwilling to grasp

Stresses a lack of willingness to learn or understand.

decline to comprehend

Emphasizes a formal rejection of understanding.

close one's mind to

Highlights a deliberate decision not to consider or understand something.

not accept the premise

Highlights a rejection of the foundational idea or assumption.

reject the notion

Highlights the rejection of an idea or concept rather than a lack of understanding.

resist acknowledging

Stresses active resistance to admitting or recognizing something.

disregard the implications

Emphasizes ignoring the consequences or effects of something.

willfully ignore

Focuses on the deliberate act of ignoring something, implying a refusal to acknowledge it.

fail to appreciate

Focuses on a lack of recognition of the value or importance of something.

turn a deaf ear to

Emphasizes ignoring information or pleas.

FAQs

What does it mean to "refuse to understand" something?

To "refuse to understand" means to be unwilling to comprehend or accept something, often due to disagreement, stubbornness, or a lack of open-mindedness.

How can I use "refuse to understand" in a sentence?

You can use "refuse to understand" to describe someone's unwillingness to grasp a concept or accept a fact. For example, "They "refuse to recognize" the evidence presented."

What are some alternatives to "refuse to understand"?

Alternatives include "fail to comprehend", "decline to comprehend", "willfully ignore", or "be unwilling to grasp".

Is it better to say "fail to understand" or "refuse to understand"?

"Fail to understand" is more neutral and suggests a lack of comprehension, while "refuse to understand" implies a deliberate unwillingness to comprehend, potentially suggesting disagreement or stubbornness.