denying
v. · n.-
1 saying something is false (v.) B1 Intermediatesaying that a statement or accusation is not true.
stating that an allegation or reported fact is untrue; the present participle of the transitive verb 'deny'.
ExampleThe suspect is still denying any involvement in the robbery.
ExampleDespite the overwhelming forensic evidence presented by the prosecution, the defendant persisted in denying his presence at the scene of the crime.
UsageOften followed by a noun phrase or a gerund (-ing form).
- contradicting
- disputing
- refuting
PitfallHe is denying to have stolen the money.He is denying stealing the money.The verb 'deny' is followed by a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive with 'to'.
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2 refusing a request (v.) B2 Upper Intermediaterefusing to let someone have something or do something.
refusing to grant a request or withholding access to a privilege or resource.
ExampleThe bank is denying her a loan because of her poor credit history.
ExampleBy denying the refugees entry at the border, the local authorities faced significant criticism from international human rights organisations.
UsageCan take a double object (denying someone something).
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3 the act of denial (n.) C1 Advanced Formalthe act of saying no to something or refusing to admit the truth.
the action of declaring something to be untrue or the act of withholding something.
ExampleHis constant denying of the facts made it impossible to solve the problem.
ExampleThe persistent denying of basic civil liberties eventually led to a widespread public uprising against the regime.
UsageOften followed by 'of' when used as a gerundive noun.