gainsay
Say it: gayn-SAY /ɡeɪnˈseɪ/ · verb
What “gainsay” means
Deny or contradict something.
More precisely: To deny or contradict; usually used in the negative.
Example: “There's no gainsaying her results: sales doubled in her first year.”
When to use it
Usually in phrases such as “no one can gainsay”, meaning nobody can deny it. A formal, slightly old-fashioned word.
Memory trick
The old prefix “gain-” means against: to gainsay is to speak against something.
Similar words
deny, dispute, contradict
Where it comes from
From obsolete gain- 'against' + say.
Quick check
Everyone saw the runner cross the line first, so nobody can deny her victory. Which verb could replace deny?
gainsay or endorse?
Show the answer
gainsay
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