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.

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  • 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

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