Gainsay

Pronunciation: /ˈɡeɪnˌseɪ/

Definitions of gainsay

verb to deny or contradict a fact or statement

Example Sentences

A1 I cannot gainsay the fact that he is a hard worker.

A2 She gainsayed all the rumors about her personal life.

B1 It is difficult to gainsay the evidence presented in court.

B2 The expert gainsayed the validity of the study's results.

C1 The professor gainsayed the student's argument with solid evidence.

C2 It would be unwise to gainsay the advice of such a seasoned professional.

Examples of gainsay in a Sentence

formal It is difficult to gainsay the evidence presented by the prosecution.

informal You can't gainsay the fact that she is a talented singer.

slang I ain't gonna gainsay what you're saying, but I still disagree.

figurative His actions gainsay his words, showing his true intentions.

Grammatical Forms of gainsay

• past tense: gainsaid
• plural: gainsays
• comparative: more gainsay
• superlative: most gainsay
• present tense: gainsay
• future tense: will gainsay
• perfect tense: have gainsaid
• continuous tense: is gainsaying
• singular: gainsayer
• positive degree: gainsay
• infinitive: to gainsay
• gerund: gainsaying
• participle: gainsaid

Origin and Evolution of gainsay

First Known Use: 0013 year

Language of Origin: Old English

Story behind the word: The word 'gainsay' originated from Middle English, derived from the Old English word 'gegnisan' which means to contradict or deny.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'gainsay' has retained its original meaning of contradicting or denying, but its usage has become less common in modern English compared to older forms of the language.