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kind refusal

[/kaɪnd rɪˈfjuːzəl/]
nounpl: kind refusals
recusa gentil
1. A polite and courteous rejection of a request, offer, or invitation, delivered in a manner that minimizes offense or hurt feelings
She gave a kind refusal to the job offer, thanking them for the opportunity.
Ela deu uma recusa gentil à oferta de emprego, agradecendo a oportunidade.
2. A diplomatic way of saying no while maintaining goodwill and respect
His kind refusal of the invitation showed he valued the relationship despite declining.
Sua recusa gentil do convite mostrou que ele valorizava o relacionamento apesar de declinar.
Synonyms
polite refusalcourteous rejectiongraceful declinediplomatic notactful rejection
Antonyms
harsh refusalblunt rejectionrude refusalcurt rejection

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
recusa gentil
Standard usage across Brazil
Portugal
recusa delicada
Slightly more formal alternative in European Portuguese

Related Idioms & Phrases

to let someone down easy
to soften the blow
to turn down with grace
a polite no
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