Cool MateDismiss vs Ignore a text like that
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Dismiss
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Ignore a text like that
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Dismiss
| Dismiss | Ignore a text like that | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪsˈmɪs/","/dɪsˈmɪsɪz/","/dɪsˈmɪst/","/dɪsˈmɪsɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪsˈmɪs/","/dɪsˈmɪsɪz/","/dɪsˈmɪst/","/dɪsˈmɪsɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ɪɡˈnɔːr ə tɛkst laɪk ðæt//🇺🇸 //ɪɡˈnɔr ə tɛkst laɪk ðæt// |
| Meaning | To let someone or something go or not consider it. | Not pay attention to a message like that. |
| Example | The teacher decided to dismiss the class early today. | I decided to ignore a text like that because it was rude. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | quickly, immediately, out of hand, be unable to, cannot, not be possible to, as, from, fairly, unfairly, wrongfully, from | ignore a text, ignore a message, ignore someone's call, ignore the news, ignore advice |
| Antonyms | embrace, welcome, accept | - |
| Common mistakes | Using '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 appropriate | Omitting 'a' before 'text', Confusing with 'neglect' which implies more intention, Using 'ignored' incorrectly in past tense when discussing ongoing behavior |
| Usage notes | Use 'dismiss' when you want to indicate that something is not worth consideration. It's neutral and should be avoided in very formal writing. | Used in casual conversations, often when dismissing something that seems unimportant or inappropriate. Avoid in formal communication. |
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Frequently asked questions: Dismiss vs Ignore a text like that
What's the difference between Dismiss and Ignore a text like that?
Dismiss: To let someone or something go or not consider it. Ignore a text like that: Not pay attention to a message like that.
Which is more formal: Dismiss and Ignore a text like that?
Dismiss is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
Dismiss: The teacher decided to dismiss the class early today. Ignore a text like that: I decided to ignore a text like that because it was rude.
Can I use Dismiss and Ignore a text like that interchangeably?
Not always. Dismiss and Ignore a text like that 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.