What is deny? Pronunciation and usage in English

deny means . Learn how to pronounce and use deny through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of deny

denyverb

/dɪˈnʌɪ/
Definition & pronunciation of deny

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "deny" in English. Here's a breakdown with phonetic spelling and tips:

Phonetic Spelling (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/dɪˈnaɪ/

Breakdown:

  • di-: Sounds like "dee" - short "i" sound.
  • -ˈnaɪ-: This is the stressed syllable.
    • ˈ: This symbol indicates the primary stress.
    • naɪ: Sounds like "nay" (rhymes with “say”) – a diphthong, meaning it’s a blended sound that starts like a short "a" and moves towards an "i" sound.

How to say it in simpler terms:

Think of it as: "Dih-nay" (emphasize the "nay" part).

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Stress: Make sure you emphasize the second syllable ("nay"). If you don't, it will sound more like "de-nee."
  • Diphthong: The "nay" part is key. It’s not just a simple "i" sound. Practice making a sound that starts like a quick “a” and then glides up to an “i.”
  • Listen to examples: The best way to perfect your pronunciation is to hear native speakers say it. You can find audio examples on:
    • Google: Just search "how to pronounce deny" on Google.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/deny/ - This website lets you hear pronunciations from native speakers around the world.
    • YouTube: Search for “how to pronounce deny” on YouTube.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation for you?
  • Give you some common mispronunciations to avoid?

Usage and examples with the word deny in English

Let's break down how to use the word "deny" in English. It's a versatile word with several different nuances! Here's a breakdown of its meanings and how to use it in various contexts:

1. The Core Meaning: To Refuse to Acknowledge Something

  • Definition: To state that something is not true; to refuse to admit something.
  • Structure: Someone deny something.
  • Examples:
    • “He denied stealing the money.” (He claimed he didn’t steal it.)
    • “The company denied any wrongdoing.” (They stated they were not responsible for anything bad that happened.)
    • “She denied knowing him.” (She stated she didn't have any connection to him.)

2. "Deny" as a Verb – More Detailed Uses

Let's look at some common ways "deny" appears in sentences:

  • Formal/Serious Denials:

    • “The suspect denied all charges.” (A formal statement of innocence.)
    • “The evidence was presented, but the defendant denied its authenticity.” (Rejecting the validity of the evidence.)

  • Refusing to Admit Something Personal:

    • “He denied having an affair.” (He’s refusing to admit he had an affair.)
    • “She denied feeling sick.” (She’s claiming she’s not ill.)

  • Refusing to Accept a Responsibility:

    • “The politician denied responsibility for the scandal.” (He’s refusing to take blame.)
    • “The team denied making a mistake.” (They’re refusing to acknowledge they messed up.)

3. "Deny" as an Adjective (Less Common)

  • Definition: Relating to or characterized by denial.
  • Example: "A sense of denial prevented him from accepting the reality of the situation." (A feeling of refusing to believe something bad is true.)

4. Phrases Using "Deny"

  • Deny access: To prevent someone from entering or using something. “The security guard denied access to the building.”
  • Deny responsibility: To refuse to accept blame for something.
  • Deny a request: To refuse to grant a request. “The store denied my request for an extension.”
  • Deny entry: Refuse someone entry.

Important Notes & Synonyms

  • "Refuse" vs. "Deny": “Refuse” usually implies a conscious choice not to do something. “Deny” implies refusing to acknowledge something is true.

    • Example: “I refuse to lie.” (I will not lie.) “I deny that I lied.” (I am saying I did not lie – even if people think I did.)

  • Synonyms: There are many synonyms for "deny," depending on the nuance you want to convey:

    • Disclaim
    • Refute
    • Reject
    • Contradict
    • Dispute
    • Denounce

How to Practice

  1. Sentence Creation: Try writing your own sentences using "deny" in different contexts.
  2. Contextualize: Think about why someone might deny something. What are the possible motivations (fear, shame, protecting someone else, etc.)?
  3. Read and Listen: Pay attention to how "deny" is used in books, articles, and conversations.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of usage are you interested in? (e.g., writing a story, improving your conversation skills, understanding a specific sentence you saw?)

Synonyms for the word deny

Practice with vocabulary deny

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

Complete the sentences with the most appropriate word.

  1. The company was quick to ______ any responsibility for the environmental damage, despite compelling evidence to the contrary.
  2. After careful consideration, the admissions committee decided to ______ her application due to missing prerequisite courses.
  3. The suspect continued to ______ involvement in the scheme, even after witnesses placed him at the scene.
  4. It is imperative to ______ these unsubstantiated claims with facts before they cause widespread panic.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

Choose the most appropriate word(s) to complete each sentence. There may be more than one correct answer.

  1. The government spokesperson refused to ______ the rumors of an impending policy change. A. confirm B. deny C. acknowledge D. affirm

  2. Despite their rigorous testing, the researchers could not ______ the initial findings presented by the rival team. A. validate B. refute C. support D. confirm

  3. The court's decision was to ______ the appeal, meaning the original verdict would stand. A. uphold B. approve C. deny D. grant

  4. Due to the overwhelming demand, the organizers had to ______ access to the exhibition hall once capacity was reached. A. limit B. restrict C. permit D. prevent

  5. When directly questioned about the leaked document, the CEO chose to ______ having any prior knowledge of its contents. A. admit B. concede C. deny D. accept

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

Rewrite the following sentences using the word(s) in parentheses, making sure to keep the original meaning.

  1. He said he did not break the confidentiality agreement. (deny)
  2. The management refused to give the employees more benefits. (deny)
  3. We need to prove that her arguments are incorrect and misleading. (disprove)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. deny
  2. reject
  3. deny
  4. refute

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B. deny
  2. B. refute
  3. C. deny
  4. A. limit, B. restrict, D. prevent
  5. C. deny

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. He denied breaking the confidentiality agreement.
  2. The management denied the employees more benefits. / The management denied granting the employees more benefits.
  3. We need to disprove her arguments, which are incorrect and misleading.

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