B1 verb
deny
/dɪˈnaɪ/
- Meaning
- to say something is not true; to refuse to give something
- Example
- "He denied taking the money."
- Similar & related words
- rejectrefusecontradictdenialdenied
- How to use it
- As a verb, "deny" carries the action of the sentence. Practice it in three forms — a fact about yourself, a question, and a negative — for example, turn the example sentence above into your own situation.
- Common mistake
- 'Deny' + -ing: 'denied stealing'. 'Deny + that-clause' also works. Never 'deny to do' — and it doesn't mean 'refuse a request' alone (say 'deny someone something': 'denied a visa').