repel the idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"repel the idea" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means to reject or strongly dislike an idea. It can be used in any situation where someone is expressing their dislike or disagreement with an idea or concept. Example: Many people repel the idea of living in a big city because of the crowded and fast-paced lifestyle.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Malevich, in his need to repel the idea of an "object", asked indignantly, "Is a milk bottle, then, the symbol of milk?" I am not quite sure why he was so enraged by this kind of thought.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Yet his persona repels the very idea.

The New Yorker

I'm antigun, so when it came to tools to repel the enemy, we came up with the idea to use books and pens and school bags.

Vice

I took it, both intrigued and repelled by the idea.

The New York Times

I was particularly repelled by the idea of feeling pity for my childhood self.

The New Yorker

Relish for battle is experienced by many soldiers, even those repelled by the idea of it.

The New York Times - Books

After graduation, he was quickly repelled by the idea of making a career as a virtuoso.

The New York Times - Arts

"I was always attracted and repelled by the idea of being a writer," he says.

The Guardian - Film

Most Americans are repelled by the idea that the state might take your house and give it to Donald Trump.

The Economist

I find I'm repelled by the idea and embarrassed by how much of it I've done.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I sought out Cookie — Elizabeth Jones — who was initially repelled by the idea of letting a reporter into her business.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "repel the idea" when you want to convey a sense of strong aversion or active rejection of a particular concept. It's more forceful than simply disagreeing.

Common error

While "repel the idea" effectively communicates strong disagreement, be mindful of the context. Overusing such forceful language can make your writing appear overly aggressive or biased.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "repel the idea" functions as a verb phrase where "repel" acts as a transitive verb taking "the idea" as its object. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and can be used in written English. It expresses a strong rejection or aversion.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "repel the idea" is a grammatically sound and forceful way to express strong disagreement or aversion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides real-world examples of usage, primarily in news and media contexts. While its frequency is relatively rare, its impact lies in its ability to communicate a decisive rejection of a concept. Alternatives such as ""reject the concept"" or "dismiss the notion" offer similar meanings with varying degrees of intensity. When using this phrase, writers should be mindful of the potentially strong tone it conveys and ensure it aligns with the intended message and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reject the concept

Emphasizes a firm refusal or dismissal of the concept.

dismiss the notion

Suggests a quick or peremptory rejection of the idea.

oppose the thought

Highlights resistance or antagonism towards the idea.

disagree with the premise

Focuses on disagreeing with the foundational assumptions of the idea.

resist the temptation

Implies an effort to avoid being drawn in by the idea.

decline the proposal

Specifically rejects a suggested plan or proposition.

turn down the suggestion

Informally rejects an offered idea.

shun the belief

Indicates a deliberate avoidance or rejection of the belief.

rebuff the consideration

Strongly rejects an idea under consideration.

disavow the principle

Denies any association with the stated principle.

FAQs

How can I use "repel the idea" in a sentence?

You can use "repel the idea" to express strong disagreement or aversion. For example, "Many people "reject the concept" of mandatory overtime, as they value their work-life balance."

What's the difference between "repel the idea" and "dislike the idea"?

"Repel the idea" suggests a stronger, more active rejection than simply disliking something. It implies a conscious effort to push away or resist a concept, while "dislike the idea" expresses a general feeling of aversion.

What are some alternatives to "repel the idea"?

Alternatives include phrases like ""reject the concept"", "dismiss the notion", or "oppose the thought", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "repel the idea"?

It's appropriate to use "repel the idea" in contexts where you want to emphasize a strong, negative reaction to a particular concept. This could be in political discussions, philosophical debates, or personal opinions where you feel a strong aversion.