Deny: meaning, definitions and examples

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deny

 

[ dɪˈnaɪ ]

Context #1 | Verb

refuse

To refuse to accept or allow something. To reject a request or offer. To declare untrue; contradict. To disclaim connection with, responsibility for, or knowledge of.

Synonyms

contradict, disclaim, refuse, reject.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
deny

Use 'deny' when saying that something isn't true or refusing to accept something.

  • He denied the accusations against him.
  • She denied knowing anything about the missing money.
refuse

Use 'refuse' when you say 'no' to something, declining to accept an offer or request.

  • She refused the job offer.
  • He refused to answer the question.
reject

Use 'reject' when you do not accept something, such as an idea, proposal, or item.

  • The committee rejected the proposal.
  • She rejected his advances.
contradict

Use 'contradict' when you are saying something that goes against or disagrees with another statement.

  • His testimony contradicted the evidence presented.
  • The results contradict the initial hypothesis.
disclaim

Use 'disclaim' when you officially state that you are not responsible for something or do not have any connection to it.

  • The company disclaimed any responsibility for the defective products.
  • He disclaimed all knowledge of the incident.

Examples of usage

  • I deny all the accusations against me.
  • She denied his request for a raise.
  • He denied that he was involved in the crime.
  • The company denied any involvement in the scandal.
Context #2 | Verb

not admit

To state that something is not true or does not exist. To refuse to acknowledge the validity or existence of something.

Synonyms

challenge, contradict, dispute, oppose.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
deny

Used when someone declares that something is not true or refuses to accept something.

  • She denied stealing the money.
  • He denied all the accusations against him.
dispute

Used when there is a disagreement or argument about something, often involving formal or legal issues.

  • The two countries are in a dispute over the borders.
  • They disputed the charges on their bill.
challenge

Used when questioning the validity or truth of something, often in a competitive or confrontational manner.

  • She decided to challenge the professor's theory.
  • They challenged the results of the election.
contradict

Used when someone says the opposite of what has been said or implies that a statement is false.

  • The witness contradicted the suspect's alibi.
  • Her statements contradict the evidence.
oppose

Used when showing resistance or disagreement with an idea, plan, or person.

  • Many people opposed the new law.
  • She opposed her parents' decision.

Examples of usage

  • She denied any involvement in the project.
  • He denied the allegations made against him.

Translations

Translations of the word "deny" in other languages:

🇵🇹 negar

🇮🇳 अस्वीकार करना

🇩🇪 verweigern

🇮🇩 menolak

🇺🇦 заперечувати

🇵🇱 odmówić

🇯🇵 拒否する (kyohi suru)

🇫🇷 nier

🇪🇸 negar

🇹🇷 reddetmek

🇰🇷 거부하다 (geobu-hada)

🇸🇦 رفض

🇨🇿 odmítnout

🇸🇰 odmietnuť

🇨🇳 否认 (fǒurèn)

🇸🇮 zavrniti

🇮🇸 neita

🇰🇿 бас тарту

🇬🇪 უარყოფა

🇦🇿 rədd etmək

🇲🇽 negar

Etymology

The word 'deny' originated from the Old French word 'denier' which means 'to deny, renounce'. It entered the English language in the 13th century. Over time, 'deny' has evolved to encompass various meanings related to refusal and contradiction.

See also: denial, denier, undeniable, undeniably.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,292, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.