Dismiss vs Get your case dismissed

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Dismiss

Top 2,000 (common)B2verb

Get your case dismissed

FormalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: Get your case dismissedMost common: Dismiss
 DismissGet your case dismissed
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/dɪsˈmɪs/","/dɪsˈmɪsɪz/","/dɪsˈmɪst/","/dɪsˈmɪsɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪsˈmɪs/","/dɪsˈmɪsɪz/","/dɪsˈmɪst/","/dɪsˈmɪsɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 //ɡɛt jɔː keɪs dɪsˈmɪst//🇺🇸 //ɡɛt jʊər keɪs dɪsˈmɪst//
MeaningTo let someone or something go or not consider it.To make sure a legal case is dropped or ended.
ExampleThe teacher decided to dismiss the class early today.The judge decided to get the case dismissed due to lack of evidence.
RegisterNeutralFormal
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Beyond 10,000 (less common)
CEFR levelB2-
Part of speechverb
Collocationsquickly, immediately, out of hand, be unable to, cannot, not be possible to, as, from, fairly, unfairly, wrongfully, fromget a case dismissed, successfully get your case dismissed, try to get your case dismissed
Antonymsembrace, welcome, accept-
Common mistakesUsing 'dismiss' without an object (e.g., saying 'I dismiss' instead of 'I dismiss the idea'), Confusing with 'miss' (to fail to notice or understand), Overusing in casual speech where 'ignore' may be more appropriateConfused with 'case thrown out' - they are similar but different in nuances., Using past tense incorrectly - 'got your case dismissed' should not be used for future actions.
Usage notesUse 'dismiss' when you want to indicate that something is not worth consideration. It's neutral and should be avoided in very formal writing.Typically used in legal contexts; avoid in casual conversations. Common among lawyers and legal professionals.

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Get your case dismissed

Frequently asked questions: Dismiss vs Get your case dismissed

What's the difference between Dismiss and Get your case dismissed?

Dismiss: To let someone or something go or not consider it. Get your case dismissed: To make sure a legal case is dropped or ended.

Which is more formal: Dismiss and Get your case dismissed?

Get your case dismissed is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Dismiss and Get your case dismissed?

Dismiss is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Dismiss: The teacher decided to dismiss the class early today. Get your case dismissed: The judge decided to get the case dismissed due to lack of evidence.

Can I use Dismiss and Get your case dismissed interchangeably?

Not always. Dismiss and Get your case dismissed are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.