01
ablehnend
dismissive
An attitude or reaction that expresses rejection, disapproval, or a negative stance.
example
Auf meinen Vorschlag reagierte er mit einer ablehnenden Geste.
He responded to my suggestion with a dismissive gesture.
ablehnend
dismissive
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
'Ablehnend' (dismissive) is the present participle of the verb 'ablehnen' (to reject). It describes a person, attitude, or reaction that actively rejects or disapproves of something.
EXAMPLE
Er hat eine ablehnende Haltung gegenüber neuen Technologien.
He has a dismissive attitude toward new technologies.
Sentence structure with 'gegenüber'
To express what the rejection is directed against, the preposition 'gegenüber' (toward) with the dative is often used. The preposition can come either before or after the dative object.
EXAMPLE
Sie steht meinem Plan ablehnend gegenüber.
She is dismissive toward my plan.
Typical collocations
'Ablehnend' (dismissive) is often used as an adverb with verbs such as 'reagieren' (to react), 'sich verhalten' (to behave), or 'sich äußern' (to comment/express oneself). As an adjective, it often describes nouns such as 'Haltung' (attitude), 'Antwort' (answer), or 'Bescheid' (notice/decision).
EXAMPLE
Auf unsere Anfrage erhielten wir einen ablehnenden Bescheid.
We received a negative decision in response to our request.
Compare with
ablehnend vs negativ
negative
'negativ' and 'ablehnend' can both describe a disapproving attitude. However, 'negativ' is more general: it can mean critical, bad, or not positive. 'ablehnend' is more precise when someone rejects something or shows no agreement. A negative comment can simply be critical; a dismissive reaction shows more clearly that the person does not want something or is against it.
ablehnend
Erik reagiert ablehnend, als die Kollegin den neuen Plan vorschlägt.
Erik reacts dismissively when his colleague suggests the new plan.
negativ
Seine negative Antwort hat mich nach dem Gespräch verunsichert.
His negative answer made me feel uncertain after the conversation.
In real life
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