Well-read · Arguing & persuading
Gainsay: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Gainsay verb. To deny or contradict something, usually in a negative sentence.
How to say it
gayn-SAY/ɡeɪnˈseɪ/
2 syllables, stressed on the second (SAY). Forms: gainsaying.
Gainsay in a sentence
No one could gainsay her expertise; she'd written the textbook.
There's no gainsaying the numbers: sales doubled after the redesign.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- deny
- dispute
- contradict
- challenge
Opposite:
- affirm
- confirm
Where gainsay comes from
From Middle English gain-, against (as in again), and say.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
There's no _____ the numbers: sales doubled after the redesign.
- coerce
- dissuade
- gainsay
Show the answer
gainsay: There's no gainsaying the numbers: sales doubled after the redesign.