“Deny” vs. “Refuse”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “deny” and “refuse”

  • "Deny" involves a contradiction or rejection of an accusation or statement, while "refuse" is a straightforward decline.
  • Denying implies a struggle against something, while refusing is a simple rejection.
  • Denying is saying a statement is not valid, while refusing is rejecting an offer, request, order, or activity.
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What is the definition of “deny” and “refuse”?

Deny
  • "Deny" refers to the act of rejecting or contradicting a statement or an accusation made against someone or something.
  • It can also mean refusing to acknowledge or accept the truth or existence of something.
  • "Deny" can be used in legal situations, where a person can deny wrongdoing or guilt.
Refuse
  • "Refuse" means to decline or say no to something that is offered or requested.
  • It can also mean rejecting an idea or proposal suggested by someone else.
  • "Refuse" can be used in situations where something is deemed unacceptable or unsuitable.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Refuse” is the more popular variant on the web.
Deny
336,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. She denies stealing the money from the cash register.
  2. The company denies any responsibility for the harmful effects of their product.
  3. He denies that he was even present at the scene of the crime.
More popular
Refuse
474,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. I refused to eat the food because it looked undercooked.
  2. The company refused to negotiate with the workers' union.
  3. He refused to take any medication even though he was feeling unwell.
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