deny

Pronunciation: /dɪˈnaɪ/

verb

Difficulty: common

Definition of deny

To assert that something is untrue or refuse to acknowledge, accept, or grant something.

Origin of deny

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: denegare

Original meaning: to refuse, say no

How it evolved: The word passed from Latin 'denegare' to Old French 'denier,' retaining its sense of refusal or contradiction, before entering Middle English as 'deny.'

Derived from Latin, the word 'deny' originally carried a sense of contradiction or refusal, evolving over time to include rejection of both truth and requests.

First known use: 14th century

How to Remember deny

Think of 'deny' as 'don't-acknowledge'; the 'de-' prefix suggests a reversal, and 'ny' sounds like 'no.'

Synonyms for deny

Antonyms of deny

deny in a Sentence

  1. The witness was quick to deny any involvement in the criminal conspiracy, despite mounting evidence against him.
  2. She could not deny the allure of the opportunity, even though it came with significant risks and challenges.
  3. The politician repeatedly denied allegations of misconduct, though public opinion remained skeptical.

deny in Literature & Culture

The word 'deny' features prominently in legal and political discourse, as well as in literature, where it underscores themes of truth, accountability, and self-deception.

Usage Notes

Be cautious when using 'deny'—it implies a strong rejection, often in response to accusations or claims. Avoid using it in situations where softer language, like 'decline,' is more appropriate.

Why deny Matters for GRE & SAT

The word 'deny' is frequently tested in the GRE because of its nuanced usage in logical arguments, where test-takers must identify when a statement is being refuted or contradicted.

Word Family

denial (noun)
The act of declaring something to be untrue or refusing something requested.
deniable (adjective)
Capable of being denied or contradicted.
denier (noun)
A person who denies something.

Did You Know?

  • The phrase 'plausible deniability,' a term often used in political and legal contexts, originates from the concept of denying involvement in ethically questionable activities.
  • In psychology, the term 'denial' refers to a defense mechanism where an individual refuses to accept reality or facts.
  • 'Deny thy father and refuse thy name' is a famous line from Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet, where Juliet contemplates abandoning her family name for love.

More Vocabulary Words Starting with D

  • daunting — scary or frightening; (of a task) seeming impossible
  • daunting — scary or frightening; (of a task) seeming impossible
  • dawdle — move slowly and without purpose
  • dawdle — move slowly and without purpose
  • dearth — A scarcity or lack of something
  • dearth — lack of something in a particular area
  • dearth — lack of something in a particular area
  • debate — A formal discussion on a particular topic
  • debate — A formal discussion on a particular topic
  • debilitate — To make someone weak and infirm