gainsay

[ geyn-sey, geyn-sey ]

/ ˈgeɪnˌseɪ, geɪnˈseɪ /

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See synonyms for: gainsay / gainsaying on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), gain·said, gain·say·ing.

to deny, dispute, or contradict.

to speak or act against; oppose.

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Origin of gainsay

First recorded in 1250–1300, gainsay is from the Middle English word gainsaien.See again, say¹

OTHER WORDS FROM gainsay

gainsayer, nounun·gain·said, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use gainsay in a sentence

Mrs. Owen clearly admired Sylvia, and Sylvia was a charming girl—there was no gainsaying that.
A Hoosier Chronicle|Meredith Nicholson
But if 'tis duty, my lad, England expec's and I'm not gainsaying.
The Adventures of Harry Revel|Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch
For consider Him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against themselves, that ye wax not weary, fainting in your souls.
The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews|Thomas Charles Edwards
With that word the speaker turned slowly, walked with an even pace to the door, and opened it, none gainsaying him.
The Wild Geese|Stanley John Weyman

There was no denying the physical appeal of the lithe, sinuous Russian; there was no gainsaying the call of the blood.
West Wind Drift|George Barr McCutcheon

British Dictionary definitions for gainsay

gainsay

/ (ɡeɪnˈseɪ) /

verb -says, -saying or -said

(tr) archaic, or literary to deny (an allegation, a statement, etc); contradict

Derived forms of gainsay

gainsayer, noun

Word Origin for gainsay

C13 gainsaien, from gain- against + saien to say 1

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

gainsay

Origin of gainsay

OTHER WORDS FROM gainsay

Words related to gainsay

How to use gainsay in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for gainsay

Derived forms of gainsay

Word Origin for gainsay