Words / B1

di-NEYE/dɪˈnaɪ/

To deny is to say that something is not true: deny that he took it; deny the rumour. It can also mean refuse to give: deny someone access. Admit is the opposite of the first meaning; refuse is closer when you will not allow something. Denial is the noun: a strong denial. Pattern: deny + -ing or deny that — not “deny to do.”

Meaning

To say that something is not true, or to refuse to give or allow something.

Examples

• “He denied that he had taken the money.”
• “The minister denied any knowledge of the deal.”
• “She denied breaking the rules.”

Good to know

deny that / deny + -ing. deny someone something. Opposite of “not true”: admit. Noun: denial.

Near in meaning

refuse

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