Word: gainsay (verb)

Associations

The word "gainsay" means to say that something is not true or to deny or oppose it. It is often used in formal or old-fashioned English.

• "No one can gainsay her talent." This means no one can deny or disagree that she has talent.
• "It is hard to gainsay the evidence presented in court." Here, it means it is difficult to argue against the evidence.
• "He gainsaid the rumors about his resignation." This means he denied the rumors.

Synonym: "deny" is a common synonym. The difference is that "gainsay" is more formal and sometimes implies openly opposing or speaking against something, while "deny" can be used more simply to mean saying something is not true.

Substitution

Other words or phrases you can use instead of "gainsay" include:

• deny (simple and common)
• contradict (focuses on saying the opposite)
• dispute (focuses on arguing or questioning) Using "deny" is the most straightforward substitute, but "contradict" or "dispute" may suggest more active opposition.

Deconstruction

• The word "gainsay" comes from Old English "gan" (against) + "say" (to say).
• So it literally means "to say against" or to speak against something.
• This origin explains why it means to oppose or deny something.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a situation where you might want to gainsay someone's opinion? Why?
• How is gainsay different from just disagreeing quietly?
• Have you ever had to gainsay a rumor or false information? How did you do it?