Avböjde

Avböjde is the Swedish verb form used to describe a past action in which someone declined or refused something, such as an invitation or an offer. It is the simple past (preterite) form of the verb avböja, indicating that the decision to refuse occurred in the past. For example: Hon avböjde erbjudandet.

Etymology and meaning: The verb avböja is formed from the prefix av- meaning away or off, combined with böja, to bend. In this sense, avböja conveys turning away from a proposal or request rather than accepting it. The sense is closer to a polite or formal refusal than a casual rejection.

Conjugation and use: In present tense the form is avböjer (han avböjer erbjudandet – he declines the offer). The past tense is avböjde (jag avböjde, du avböjde, han avböjde, vi avböjde, ni avböjde, de avböjde). The past participle is avböjt, used with auxiliary verbs to form perfect and pluperfect tenses, such as har avböjt (has declined) or hade avböjt (had declined). For example: Hon har avböjt erbjudandet.

Usage and nuance: Avböja is commonly used in formal or neutral written and spoken Swedish when a clear, deliberate refusal is intended. It often conveys courtesy and consideration in turning down invitations, proposals, or requests, without indicating hostility. It is distinct from avvisa (to reject, dismiss) or neka (to deny or refuse more forcefully).

See also: böja, avvisa, neka.