disregard
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
to ignore or pay no attention to something, treating it as unimportant or not worthy of consideration.
It can also denote a state of neglect or indifference towards something, such as rules, advice, or feelings, and can function as a noun meaning 'the action or state of ignoring.'
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in formal or serious contexts. Implies a conscious decision to ignore or a negligent attitude, rather than a simple accidental oversight.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Slightly more formal in British English, but used identically.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American legal and business contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
disregard + noun (object)disregard + for + nounVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in disregard of”
- “with complete disregard for”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Formal warnings about disregarding company policy or regulatory requirements.
Academic
Critiquing a study for disregarding key variables or literature.
Everyday
Advising someone not to disregard their doctor's advice.
Technical
In law, acting with 'wanton disregard' for safety.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- His actions showed a total disregard for the law.
- They treated the ancient monument with shocking disregard.
American English
- The fine was for reckless disregard of the regulations.
- She acted with utter disregard for the consequences.
verb
British English
- The driver completely disregarded the red light.
- You would be wise not to disregard the solicitor's letter.
American English
- The judge instructed the jury to disregard the last statement.
- He blatantly disregarded the safety protocols.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please do not disregard these instructions.
- His disregard for the rules caused many problems.
- The company showed a flagrant disregard for environmental standards.
- The court ruled that the officer had acted in disregard of proper procedure.
- The historian argued that the theory was untenable and should be disregarded.
- Their policy of deliberate disregard for international norms has drawn widespread condemnation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DIS-REGARD: Think of looking away (DIS-) from something you would normally look at or REGARD.
Conceptual Metaphor
IGNORANCE IS BLINDNESS / TURNING AWAY ('He turned a blind eye').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'neglect' (забросить, запустить). 'Disregard' is more active ignoring, while 'neglect' implies failure to care for.
- The noun 'disregard' is often translated as 'пренебрежение', but can be stronger, like 'полное игнорирование'.
- Avoid calquing the structure 'disregard to' – it's always 'disregard for' (noun) or 'disregard' + direct object (verb).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'disregard about' (incorrect preposition). Correct: 'disregard for'.
- Confusing verb and noun stress patterns. Noun stress is often on the first syllable in casual speech, but standard IPA shows stress on the last.
- Using it for accidental forgetting. It implies intention.
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase uses 'disregard' INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is considered formal. In everyday speech, 'ignore' is more common.
Yes. As a verb: 'Disregard the noise.' As a noun: 'He acted with complete disregard.'
'Disregard' often implies a more conscious, deliberate, or negligent ignoring, especially of something considered important (like rules). 'Ignore' is more general.
The noun is followed by 'for' (e.g., 'disregard for safety'). The verb takes a direct object with no preposition (e.g., 'disregard safety').
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