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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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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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. 2023

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