Rule out
verb
To decide that something is not possible or suitable.
We cannot rule out the possibility of an accident.
Often appears as...
- rule out the possibility
- rule out the chance
verb
To stop considering something as a possibility.
The police have ruled out foul play in this case.
Often appears as...
- rule out suspect
- rule out idea
verb
To prevent something from happening.
His age and health rule out any chance of his taking up sport again.
Often appears as...
- rule out risk
- rule out threat
verb
To decide that something is not possible or suitable.
We cannot rule out the possibility of an accident.
Often appears as...
- rule out the possibility
- rule out the chance
verb
To stop considering something as a possibility.
The police have ruled out foul play in this case.
Often appears as...
- rule out suspect
- rule out idea
verb
To prevent something from happening.
His age and health rule out any chance of his taking up sport again.
Often appears as...
- rule out risk
- rule out threat
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Possibility Exclusion
Used when eliminating options after careful consideration or due to new information.
After reviewing the evidence, detectives ruled out theft as a motive.
Pro Tip 2/3Neutral Tone
The phrase 'rule out' carries no positive or negative connotations by itself; it's neutral.
The stormy weather rules out the chance of going to the beach today.
Pro Tip 3/3Context Driven
Understanding the full context is crucial since 'rule out' hinges on the situation's details.
The manager ruled out overwork as a reason for the error.
Pro Tip 1/3Possibility Exclusion
Used when eliminating options after careful consideration or due to new information.
After reviewing the evidence, detectives ruled out theft as a motive.
Pro Tip 2/3Neutral Tone
The phrase 'rule out' carries no positive or negative connotations by itself; it's neutral.
The stormy weather rules out the chance of going to the beach today.
Pro Tip 3/3Context Driven
Understanding the full context is crucial since 'rule out' hinges on the situation's details.
The manager ruled out overwork as a reason for the error.
Pro Tip 1/3Possibility Exclusion
Used when eliminating options after careful consideration or due to new information.
After reviewing the evidence, detectives ruled out theft as a motive.
Pro Tip 2/3Neutral Tone
The phrase 'rule out' carries no positive or negative connotations by itself; it's neutral.
The stormy weather rules out the chance of going to the beach today.
Pro Tip 3/3Context Driven
Understanding the full context is crucial since 'rule out' hinges on the situation's details.
The manager ruled out overwork as a reason for the error.
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