Rule out is a phrasal verb that means to eliminate or exclude something as a possibility.

[rul aʊt]

Usage:

Rule out is often used in discussions or investigations where various options are being considered, and one option needs to be eliminated or excluded. It can also be used in medical contexts when doctors are trying to determine the cause of a patient's symptoms.

Example sentences:

1. After reviewing all the evidence, we can rule out the possibility of foul play in this case.

在审查了所有证据之后，我们可以排除这起案件存在任何不正当行为的可能性。

2. The doctor ordered several tests to rule out any serious conditions that could be causing the patient's symptoms.

医生要求进行多项检测，以排除可能导致患者症状的严重情况。

3. The witness's testimony helped to rule out one of the suspects in the investigation.

目击者的证词帮助排除了调查中的一个嫌疑人。

4. We need to rule out all other options before we can make a decision on which course of action to take.

在做出决定之前，我们需要排除所有其他选择。

5. The team had to rule out several potential solutions before finding the right answer to the problem.

团队在找到正确答案之前必须排除几种潜在解决方案。

Synonyms and usage:

- Eliminate: This word has a similar meaning to rule out and can be used interchangeably in most contexts. However, eliminate may also imply actively getting rid of something, while rule out simply means excluding it as an option.

- Exclude: This word has a similar meaning to rule out and can also be used interchangeably in most contexts. However, exclude may also have a stronger connotation of deliberately keeping something out or preventing it from being included.

- Dismiss: This word can be used in a similar context to rule out, but it often implies a more definitive rejection or refusal to consider something.

Editor's summary:

Rule out is a useful phrasal verb that can help eliminate options or possibilities in discussions, investigations, or medical contexts. It is often used when one option needs to be excluded from consideration. It can be used interchangeably with words like eliminate and exclude, but may also have slightly different connotations.