deny
word
/dɪˈnaɪ/
di-NY
/dɪnˈaɪ/
di-NY
Definition
To say that something is not true, or to refuse to give or allow something. It is often used for accusations, facts, requests, or access.
Usage & Nuances
Common patterns are 'deny that...', 'deny doing something', and 'deny someone something' or 'deny someone access'. 'Deny' is more formal and stronger than simply saying 'no'. Be careful: 'deny' is not the same as 'refuse' in every case; 'deny' often focuses on truth, permission, or access.
Spanish: negar - rechazarPortuguese (BR): negar - recusarPortuguese (PT): negar - recusarChinese (Simplified): 否认 - 拒绝给予Chinese (Traditional): 否認 - 拒絕給予Hindi: इनकार करना - नकारनाArabic: ينكر - يرفضBengali: অস্বীকার করা - বঞ্চিত করাRussian: отрицать - отказыватьJapanese: 否定する - 拒否するVietnamese: phủ nhận - từ chối (không cho)Korean: 부인하다 - 거부하다 (허락/접근을)Turkish: inkar etmek - reddetmek (izin/erişim) Urdu: انکار کرنا - محروم کرناIndonesian: menyangkal - menolak (akses/pemberian)
Example Sentences
The guard denied us entry.
basic
She denies taking my phone.
basic
You can deny it all you want, but everyone saw what happened.
natural
He denied the story.
basic
They denied my request without giving any reason.
natural
No one can deny that this city has changed a lot.
natural