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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Deny: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：refuse to accept as true (deny)

deny 🔊

/dɪˈnaɪ/

to say that something is not true or that you did not do something.

Person denying a statement with a head shake and hand gesture

refuse to accept as true 🔊

➕

/rɪˈfjuːz tuː əkˈsept æz truː/

To state that a claim, allegation, or statement is false; to contradict or disavow something.

📁 Category：Laws & Regulations 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'de-' (completely) + '-negare' (to say no). Literally means 'to completely say no'.

💡 Mnemonic

"De-NY? No!" Imagine someone stubbornly refusing to accept that a place called 'NY' exists.

📖 Example

The student denied cheating on the test, even though the teacher saw him looking at his phone. 🔊 The student denied cheating on the test, even though the teacher saw him looking at his phone.

🔗 Collocations

flatly deny – to refuse in a direct and uncompromising way

deny an allegation – to state that an accusation is not true

deny responsibility – to refuse to accept that one is accountable for something

🔄 Synonyms

contradict (v.) – to state the opposite of what someone has said

dispute (v.) – to argue against a statement or claim

refute (v.) – to prove a statement or theory to be false

🚫 Antonyms

admit (v.) – to confess to be true or to be the case

acknowledge (v.) – to accept or admit the existence or truth of something

confirm (v.) – to establish the truth or correctness of something

🌱 Derivatives

denial (n.) – a statement that something is not true; the action of denying something

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Latin 'denegare', meaning 'to refuse, deny'. In English legal and formal contexts, it carries the weight of official refusal or contradiction, such as 'deny an accusation' in court or 'deny access' in security protocols.

Meaning 2：refuse to grant (deny)

deny 🔊

/dɪˈnaɪ/

to refuse to let someone have or do something.

Security guard denying entry to a person at a doorway

refuse to grant 🔊

➕

/rɪˈfjuːz tuː ɡrɑːnt/

To refuse to give or allow something that is requested or needed; to withhold something from someone.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The company denied him the promotion because he lacked the necessary experience. 🔊 The company denied him the promotion because he lacked the necessary experience.

🔗 Collocations

deny access – to refuse entry or the right to use something

deny a request – to officially refuse something that was asked for

deny privileges – to take away or not grant special rights or advantages

🔄 Synonyms

withhold (v.) – to refuse to give something that is due or desired

reject (v.) – to dismiss or refuse to consider a proposal or application

decline (v.) – to politely refuse an offer or invitation

🚫 Antonyms

grant (v.) – to agree to give or allow something requested

permit (v.) – to give authorization or consent for something

allow (v.) – to let someone have or do something