ignored - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
ignored Word Meanings
- to deliberately pay no attention to something
- to refuse to acknowledge or accept
- to disregard or overlook
ignored Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
ignored Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɪɡˈnɔː/
US
/ɪɡˈnɔr/
ignored Word Etymology
Latin 'ignorare' (to not know) → Old French 'ignore' → English. Imagine a person walking by an invitation to a party, wrapped in silence and darkness, choosing to ignore its glow.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
First I set my phone face down and push the laptop a little away, feeling my shoulders loosen. I watch my eyes move to a plain wall, and I decide to ignore the ping of the notification. The effort feels small but real, a deliberate adjustment of where I place my attention. With each breath I keep the boundary clear, and the noise fades into quiet.
Real Context
Ignore means to deliberately pay no attention to something, to refuse to acknowledge or accept it, or to disregard or overlook. It implies choice and intention rather than mere forgetfulness. You can ignore an invitation, ignore advice, or ignore a warning, sometimes with different consequences depending on the tone and context. In everyday English, ignore often conveys a conscious decision to deprioritize the item or person, even when information or expectations exist. Learners should watch for subtle differences with similar verbs: notice is active attention, disregard is more neutral or formal, and neglect implies failure to care over time.
Usage Reminders
- • Pay attention to the object: ignore can take a person or a thing.
- • Distinguish between ignore, notice, and disregard by testing tone and intention.
- • Use ignore for deliberate, purposeful lack of attention.
- • In formal contexts, combine with a reason or explanation to soften impact.
- • Do not confuse ignore with forget; forgetting is unintentional.
Common Misconceptions
- Ignore does not mean forget; it means paying deliberate attention to something in a specific way (or choosing not to pay attention).
- Ignore is not the same as disregard; disregard is often more neutral or formal.
- Ignoring someone can be rude, but it can also be polite in certain contexts (e. g., to avoid interrupting).
- Ignore can take a clause after it (ignore that he’s wrong), not just a direct object.
- Ignore is not used for everything you don’t like; context matters for tone and intent.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker (meta, keep short)
Learning Tips
- Practice using ignore with an invitation, a warning, and advice in different tones.
- Compare ignore with notice and disregard in short sentences to feel the nuance.
- Record a short dialogue where someone ignores a suggestion and another where they heed it.
- Notice the subject: ignore works with people and things; notice works with attention.
- Review common collocations: ignore the invitation, ignore the warning, ignore a cue.
- Reflect on politeness and context: when might ignoring be rude?
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'ignored'?
A.To notice or pay attention to something
B.To bring focus to something
C.To intentionally overlook or not pay attention to something
D.To enhance the visibility of something
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'ignored' correctly?
A.She ignored the instructions carefully.
B.He ignored his homework and completed it later.
C.The dog ignored the ball and chased after a butterfly.
D.They ignored the cake on the table and ate salad instead.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'ignored'?
A.Assisted
B.Highlighted
C.Neglected
D.Informed
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'ignored'?
A.Considered
B.Dismissed
C.Overlooked
D.Disregarded
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario where someone was overlooked?
A.After the meeting, he felt like he was completely ignored.
B.She was surprised when the announcement was made and was delighted.
C.They planned a surprise party that was truly unforgettable.
D.People often don't notice when someone feels left out.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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