snub
B2Formal/Informal (primarily formal or journalistic for the verb; descriptive for the adjective).
Definition
Meaning
To deliberately ignore or treat with disdain; to reject or spurn in a pointed, dismissive manner.
Also describes something short and turned up at the end, particularly a nose; a blunt, flat-ended shape (snub nose, snub revolver).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb implies a public or intentional slight, often to show disapproval or superiority. The adjective is most common in the fixed phrase 'snub nose'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or semantic differences. Both varieties use the word identically in core meanings.
Connotations
In UK media, often used in the context of politics, royal protocol, or social events. In US media, common in celebrity and political discourse.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
VERB + OBJECT (She snubbed her colleague.)VERB + OBJECT + ADV.PHRASE (He was snubbed at the awards ceremony.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in contexts of mergers, deals, or job offers being pointedly rejected. 'The board snubbed the takeover bid.'
Academic
Used in social sciences, history, or literature to describe social exclusion or political manoeuvres. 'The envoy's snub led to a diplomatic crisis.'
Everyday
Describes personal social slights. 'She felt snubbed when they didn't invite her.'
Technical
Rare. In firearms, a 'snub-nose(d) revolver' has a short barrel.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The minister was accused of snubbing the backbench MPs.
- He snubbed the offer of a knighthood.
American English
- The celebrity snubbed the reporter's question.
- The committee snubbed her proposal without discussion.
adjective
British English
- He was known for his distinctive snub nose.
- The detective carried a snub-nosed revolver.
American English
- The puppy had an adorable snub nose.
- She preferred the compact design of a snub-nose pistol.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She was sad because her friend snubbed her at school.
- The actor snubbed the interviewer and walked straight to his car.
- The diplomat's snub was seen as a deliberate insult, worsening relations between the two countries.
- Having been snubbed for promotion twice, she decided to pursue opportunities elsewhere, convinced the oversight was intentional.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a person turning up their SNUB nose and saying 'Nah' (the 'uh' sound in /snʌb/).
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL REJECTION IS PHYSICAL PUSHING AWAY / TURNING ONE'S BACK.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'snob' (сноб). 'Snub' — это действие (оскорбительное игнорирование), а 'snob' — человек. Прямого однокоренного слова нет. Близкие по смыслу: 'пренебречь', 'оскорбить холодным приёмом', 'дать отворот поворот'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'snob' as a verb (e.g., 'He snobbed me' is incorrect; correct is 'He snubbed me').
- Confusing the adjective form: 'a snub person' is incorrect unless describing a nose; the correct adjectival form for the action is 'snubbed' (e.g., a snubbed author).
Practice
Quiz
What is the PRIMARY meaning of 'to snub' someone?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is commonly used as both a verb ('to snub someone') and a noun ('a diplomatic snub'). The adjective form is less common and mostly appears in 'snub-nosed'.
It is pronounced /snʌb/, rhyming with 'rub' and 'tub'. The 'b' at the end is fully pronounced.
It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is frequent in news and formal writing to describe political or social slights, but also used in everyday conversation.
'Ignore' is general and can be passive. 'Snub' is always an active, intentional act of disrespect, often public. 'Ostracize' is stronger and implies exclusion from a group over a longer period.