rule out — to exclude something as a possibility; to decide that something is not possible or suitable
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to exclude something as a possibility; to decide that something is not possible or suitable
Pronunciation (IPA): /ruːl aʊt/
Example Sentences
- The detective ruled out the butler as a suspect after checking his alibi at the donut shop.
- We can't rule out the possibility that my cat is actually plotting world domination.
- The company ruled out remote work, forcing employees to commute through zombie apocalypse traffic.
rule out
VERB[/ruːl aʊt/]
to exclude something as a possibility; to decide that something is not possible or suitable
The detective decided to rule out the butler after checking his alibi.
Cool out to think, then rule out and pool out suspects!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle English 'rule' (from Old French 'reule', from Latin 'regula' meaning 'straight stick, standard, pattern') combined with the preposition 'out' (from Old English 'ūt'). The phrasal verb developed in English to mean excluding something from consideration.
Breakdown
rule (from Latin regula = a standard or pattern) + out (Old English ūt = away, outside) = rule out (to exclude from possibility)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The detective ruled out the butler as a suspect after checking his alibi at the donut shop.”
“We can't rule out the possibility that my cat is actually plotting world domination.”
“The company ruled out remote work, forcing employees to commute through zombie apocalypse traffic.”
“Medical tests ruled out any heart problems.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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