Deny Meaning and Definition
Deny
Pronunciation
/dɪˈnaɪ/
Part of Speech
Verb
Definition
To refuse or reject something, such as a request, an offer, or a claim.
Examples
- I denied the accusation, as I knew it was unfair.
- The company denied all responsibility for the environmental damage.
- She denied knowing the suspect, claiming she had never met him before.
- I denied the rumor, assuring everyone it was false.
- The insurance company denied the claim, citing lack of evidence.
- He denied the charge, saying it was a lie.
Synonyms
- Refuse
- Reject
- Disavow
Antonyms
- Admit
- Accept
Additional Information
In everyday life, denying something can be a common occurrence. People may deny something for various reasons, including guilt, shame, or fear of consequences. In legal contexts, denying a statement or accusation is a common legal tactic to discredit or challenge evidence. In any case, denying something typically involves refusing to accept or acknowledge its validity or truth.
Etymology
The word “deny” has its roots in Old French “dire,” meaning “to say” or “to speak,” and is related to the Latin “dicere,” also meaning “to say.” Over time, the spelling evolved to “deny,” taking on its modern verb meaning.
Usage Notes
When denying something, it’s essential to be clear and concise in your statement. Avoid using vague language or ambiguous phrases, as they may lead to misunderstandings. Additionally, when denying an accusation, it’s crucial to provide evidence orproof to support your claim.
Cultural References
In popular culture, denying something is often depicted in films, literature, and television shows as a way to reject a confession or an accusation. For example, in the movie “The Shawshank Redemption,” the character Andy denies committing a crime, despite strong evidence against him.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Some common idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word “deny” are:
- To deny a charge is to refuse to accept or admit to doing something wrong.
- To deny a relationship is to refuse to acknowledge or accept a romantic or social connection with someone.
- To deny a claim is to refuse to accept or recognize the truth or validity of something.
Related Words or Phrases
Words or phrases closely related to “deny” in meaning or usage include:
- Refuse
- Reject
- Disavow
- Dismiss
- Denounce
Collocations
Common collocations with the term “deny” include:
- To deny a charge
- To deny a accusation
- To deny a fault
- To deny a claim
- To deny a responsibility
Frequency of Use
The word “deny” is a relatively common verb in everyday language, with numerous applications across various contexts, including personal, professional, and legal settings.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings and variations of the word “deny” include:
- Deeny
- Diene
- Denie
- Deney