Denying
/dɪˈnaɪɪŋ/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo refuse to admit or accept something; to state that something is not true.
/dɪˈnaɪɪŋ/
To state that something is not true.
She is denying the allegations against her.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend tells you they ate all the cookies, but you saw them! Denying is like saying 'No, that's not true, I know you ate the cookies!'
👶 For kids: Saying that something is not true.
More Examples
The company is denying any responsibility for the accident.
He kept denying that he had eaten the last piece of cake.
How It's Used
"The defendant is denying the charges."
"He's denying any involvement in the incident."
To refuse to grant or allow something to someone.
/dɪˈnaɪɪŋ/
To refuse to grant something.
The authorities are denying visas to some immigrants.
💡 Simply: Imagine you ask your parents for ice cream, but they say 'No.' They are denying you ice cream.
👶 For kids: To say someone can't have something.
More Examples
The company denied the employee's request for a raise.
The government is denying basic human rights to its citizens.
How It's Used
"The club is denying access to anyone without a membership."
"The bank is denying the loan application."
To refuse to acknowledge or accept the existence or validity of something.
/dɪˈnaɪɪŋ/
To refuse to recognize or acknowledge something.
He kept denying his addiction, even though he was experiencing withdrawal.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're sad, but you tell yourself you're not. You are denying your sadness.
👶 For kids: To say you don't feel or think something.
More Examples
Many people deny the reality of climate change.
She was in denial about her illness and refused treatment.
How It's Used
"She is denying her feelings of grief."
"Many philosophers deny the existence of objective truth."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Deny oneself
To refuse to allow oneself something desirable.
"She denied herself any dessert for a month to lose weight."
From Middle English *denien*, from Old French *denoier*, from Latin *denegare* ('to deny'), from *de-* ('away') + *negare* ('to deny').
Used since the 13th century, initially with the meaning of 'to refuse or reject'. The meaning of 'to state to be untrue' developed later.
Memory tip
Think of 'negation.' Denying is saying 'no' to a statement or fact.
Word Origin
"to deny, refuse"