1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To dismiss or refuse to consider an objection, concern, or criticism as if it were trivial.
"The CEO brushed aside shareholders' concerns about the merger."
separable
brush aside
B2 neutral separable transitive
To dismiss or ignore something such as a concern, criticism, or obstacle as if it were unimportant.
In plain English
To ignore something or treat it as if it's not worth paying attention to.
What does "brush aside" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To push or move something or someone out of the way with little effort.
"She brushed aside the curtain and stepped onto the balcony."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To physically move something to the side with a brush of the hand — extended to dismissing ideas or people.
Actually means
To ignore something or treat it as if it's not worth paying attention to.
Usage tip
Common in journalistic and formal written English. The object is usually an abstract noun: concerns, objections, questions, criticism, doubts. Implies a certain confidence or arrogance on the part of the subject.
Words that pair with "brush aside"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
concerns objections criticism doubts questions opposition
How to conjugate "brush aside"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
brush aside
I/you/we/they
3rd person
brushes aside
he/she/it
Past simple
brushed aside
yesterday
Past participle
brushed aside
have + pp
-ing form
brushing aside
continuous
Hear "brush aside" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "brush aside" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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