Deny vs. Refuse

In this lesson, we will analyze the little similarities and differences between these two verbs. So, what are doing here then? Let's go.

What Is Their Main Difference?

Both of them refer to negatively rejecting something/someone. However, 'deny' is used when we want to show that something is not valid, or does not exist. 'Refuse', contrariwise, points out that someone does not accept something/someone, but that thing/person exists.

Differences

As stated above, 'deny' points out that someone declares that something is untrue. Check out the examples below:

He denied that he committed the crime.

If you deny the existence of goodness, then how can you believe in evil?

'Refuse', however, indicates that something/someone is not accepted. We can see that it exists and it is true. Look at the following examples:

Anna refused to talk to me.

I hate it when you refuse to answer the phone.

Similarities

Both of them refer to negatively avoiding something/someone. Check out the following examples for more information:

The neighbor kept denying what the officer said.

What did the mayor refuse to deliver his speech at that moment?

Are They Interchangeable?

Since these two words have two different meanings, they cannot be used interchangeably. One refers to claiming something as untrue and non-existent, whereas, the other indicates that something is not accepted. Compare:

✔ She denied God's existence in general.

X She refused God's existence in general.

Comments

(0)

Share on :