Ignore

To disregard or pay no attention to something, whether intentionally or unintentionally. This can involve deliberately choosing not to notice or respond to a person, action, or thing. It may also stem from a lack of awareness or a failure to acknowledge something that should be considered. The act of ignoring can have varying degrees of intensity, ranging from a subtle oversight to a complete and utter dismissal. Its impact depends heavily on context and the nature of what is being ignored. It often carries with it social or interpersonal consequences, reflecting a specific relationship and the importance of the thing ignored. The intentional aspect often serves a purpose, either self-preservation, avoiding confrontation, or a more passive form of control. The unintentional aspect demonstrates an absence of awareness or an interest in the subject.

Ignore meaning with examples

• Sarah, furious with Mark's constant interruptions, decided to Ignore him during the meeting. She focused solely on the presentation, making eye contact only with the speaker. Mark, initially persistent, eventually fell silent, realizing his efforts were futile. This strategic ignoring gave Sarah the space to think, demonstrating a more passive form of control. It created a marked change in the dynamic between them, allowing her to effectively convey her displeasure.
• Lost in her book, Emily didn't notice the doorbell ringing. This was purely unintentional; she was completely absorbed in the narrative. It took her several minutes to register the persistent ringing, and by then, the delivery person had already left. The situation highlighted the impact of ignoring an outside stimulus when concentrating on a particular thing, revealing a potential weakness in perception.
• The company chose to Ignore the growing customer complaints about slow service, hoping the issue would resolve itself. This strategy backfired dramatically, as the complaints intensified, resulting in negative reviews and a loss of customers. The decision to Ignore the problems came across as both passive and aggressive, demonstrating that failure to acknowledge feedback carries with it grave consequences.
• During the heated argument, John's tactic was to Ignore his brother's insults. By refusing to engage with the offensive remarks, he deprived his brother of a response and defused the situation. This proved to be an effective method of avoiding further conflict, showcasing how ignoring can serve as a tool for self-preservation, helping him maintain an emotional distance.
• The child pretended to Ignore his mother's instructions to clean his room. His refusal demonstrated a defiant attitude. He continued to play with his toys, pretending that he couldn't hear her. He deliberately ignored what his mother said. The child was testing boundaries, and showing a stubborn, self-centred attitude towards the authority placed over him.