Cool MateIgnore vs Neglect
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Ignore
Top 2,000 (common)B1verb
Neglect
Top 3,000 (common)C1verb
Most common: Ignore
| Ignore | Neglect | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ɪɡˈnɔː//🇺🇸 //ɪɡˈnɔːr// | 🇬🇧 //nɪˈɡlɛkt//🇺🇸 //nɪˈɡlɛkt// |
| Meaning | To pay no attention to something. | To not pay attention to something or someone. |
| Example | She chose to ignore the rude comments from her classmates. | He tends to neglect his health due to his busy schedule. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | ignore a call, ignore the rules, ignore the warning | neglect responsibilities, neglect duties, neglect health, neglect a cause |
| Antonyms | acknowledge, pay attention, notice | care, attend, nurture |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'neglect' - ignoring implies a choice, neglecting may imply carelessness., Misused in passive forms - typically, ignore is active., Incorrect tense forms - ensure correct past or continuous forms. | Confused with 'neglected' as past tense only., Used without an object, neglect must involve something specific., Misuse as a synonym for 'ignore' without understanding the depth. |
| Usage notes | Used in everyday conversation and writing. It is neutral; avoid in formal contexts where precise attention is needed. | Used in formal and informal contexts; avoid in casual conversation unless discussing serious issues. It's appropriate for discussing responsibilities, care, or attention. |
Frequently asked questions: Ignore vs Neglect
What's the difference between Ignore and Neglect?
Ignore: To pay no attention to something. Neglect: To not pay attention to something or someone.
Which is more common: Ignore and Neglect?
Ignore is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Ignore and Neglect?
Neglect is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Ignore and Neglect the same CEFR level?
Ignore: B1, Neglect: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Ignore and Neglect?
Ignore: verb, Neglect: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Ignore: She chose to ignore the rude comments from her classmates. Neglect: He tends to neglect his health due to his busy schedule.
Can I use Ignore and Neglect interchangeably?
Not always. Ignore and Neglect 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.