afgewezen

Afgewezen is the past participle of the Dutch verb afwijzen, meaning to reject, refuse, or decline. It can function as a predicative past participle in passive constructions or as an adjective describing a noun (a rejected applicant). In active sentences, the verb is commonly conjugated with hebben: De commissie heeft de aanvraag afgewezen. In the passive, de aanvraag is afgewezen.

The prefix af- indicates removal or denial, and wijzen comes from to point or to indicate, so the compound conveys turning away or denying. The term is widely used in formal or administrative contexts, such as asylum and visa decisions, loan applications, welfare claims, subsidies, and job applications, which can be afgewezen. It can also apply to proposals, invitations, or offers that are rejected. As an adjective, afgewezen agrees with the noun and can be used in singular or plural phrases: een afgewezen sollicitant; twee afgewezen voorstellen.

In translations, afgewezen is most closely rendered as “rejected” or “declined.” The tone depends on context and may range from neutral to disappointing for the recipient. Related terms include weigeren (to refuse) and goedkeuren (to approve).