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polite refusal

[/pəˈlaɪt rɪˈfjuːzəl/]
nounpl: polite refusals
recusa educada
1. A courteous and respectful way of declining an offer, invitation, or request without being rude or offensive
She gave a polite refusal to the job offer, thanking them for the opportunity.
Ela deu uma recusa educada à oferta de emprego, agradecendo-lhes pela oportunidade.
2. A diplomatic rejection that maintains social courtesy and preserves relationships
His polite refusal of the invitation didn't offend the hosts.
Sua recusa educada do convite não ofendeu os anfitriões.
Synonyms
courteous rejectiongracious declinediplomatic refusaltactful rejectioncivil denial
Antonyms
rude refusalblunt rejectionharsh denialacceptanceagreement

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
recusa educada
most commonly used term
Rio de Janeiro
recusa gentil
alternative, slightly more formal
São Paulo
recusa educada
standard usage
Portugal
recusa educada; rejeição atenta
both forms are acceptable, with rejeição atenta being more formal

Related Idioms & Phrases

to turn down politely
to decline graciously
to give someone the soft no
to let someone down easy
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