ignore
/ɪɡˈnɔːr/
VERB
1. Deliberately refusing to pay attention
To intentionally give no attention to someone, something, information, or a request, often by choosing not to listen, respond, or act.
1.1. Paying no attention
To deliberately direct no attention toward something or someone, especially when choosing not to listen, respond, or become involved.
Synonyms
- disregard
- pay no attention to
- pay no mind to
- take no notice of
- tune out
- turn a blind eye to
- turn a deaf ear to
Antonyms
- heed
- mind
- notice
- observe
- pay attention to
- take notice of
Examples
- Please ignore the distractions and focus on your work.
- She chose to ignore his rude remarks and remain calm.
Related Words
- inattention
- neglect
- indifference
- avoidance
- disregard
1.2. Deliberately dismissing or rejecting someone
To intentionally treat someone as unworthy of attention or consideration, often by refusing to acknowledge, respond to, or engage with them.
Synonyms
- snub
- shun
- cold-shoulder
- brush off
- slight
- turn one's back on
Antonyms
- acknowledge
- recognize
- attend to
- welcome
- engage with
Examples
- He continued to ignore her messages after their disagreement.
- The group ignored the new member and made no effort to include him.
Related Words
- rejection
- ostracism
- exclusion
- social avoidance
- dismissal
VERB
2. Failing to notice or consider something
To fail to become aware of something, or to leave something out of consideration, often unintentionally.
2.1. Failing to notice
To not see, hear, or become aware of something, usually because one's attention is elsewhere.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The driver ignored the warning sign and continued down the road.
- It is easy to ignore small details when working under pressure.
Related Words
- oversight
- inattention
- unawareness
- distraction
- obliviousness
2.2. Disregarding information or a factor
To intentionally or carelessly leave facts, advice, warnings, rules, or relevant circumstances out of consideration when making a decision.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- consider
- heed
- take into account
- acknowledge
- factor in
Examples
- It is not wise to ignore the warning signs of potential danger.
- The committee ignored several important facts when reaching its decision.
Related Words
VERB
3. Choosing not to recognize or accept something
To refuse to acknowledge the existence, importance, or validity of something, even when it is known or evident.
3.1. Refusing to acknowledge reality or a problem
To act as though a fact, problem, or situation does not exist, or to refuse to recognize its significance.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- We cannot afford to ignore the needs of the most vulnerable members of society.
- Ignoring the problem will not make it disappear.
Related Words
- denial
- avoidance
- evasion
- refusal
- dismissal