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rule out

to eliminate as a possibility

In Phrasal Verbs

In more detail

1. (verb) to decide that something is not possible or cannot be done; to eliminate something from consideration

2. (verb) to prevent something from happening

Examples

• 1. The doctor ruled out a serious illness after the tests came back negative.
• 2. The bad weather ruled out the possibility of playing outside.

How to use rule out

Rule out means to decide something is not possible or to prevent it from happening. It is commonly used when eliminating options or possibilities from consideration, especially in investigative or decision-making contexts. It is slightly more definitive than eliminate or exclude.

Common phrases

• rule out the possibility
• rule out completely
• rule out any chance
• cannot rule out
• rule out as a suspect

Synonyms

eliminate · exclude · dismiss · discard · preclude

Opposites

include · consider · accept

Word family

ruled out · ruling out · rules out

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse the phrasal verb rule out with the single verb rule, forgetting that the particle out is essential to convey the meaning of elimination or exclusion.

Nearby in Phrasal Verbs

pull off, put off, put up with, run into, run out of, set up

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained