gainsay
UK: ɡeɪnˈseɪ | US: ɡeɪnˈseɪ
vt. to deny or contradict (a statement or claim)
vt. to speak or act against; oppose
The word "gainsay" originates from Middle English "gainsayen," combining "gain" (from Old English "gegn," meaning "against" or "opposite") and "say." The morpheme "gain" here functions as a prefix indicating opposition, while "say" retains its core meaning of speaking. Over time, "gainsay" evolved to specifically mean denying or contradicting a statement, reflecting its literal sense of "speaking against." This construction is rare in modern English but preserves the adversarial nuance of its components.
No one dared to gainsay the king’s decree.
Her evidence was so compelling that none could gainsay it.
He is not a man to be gainsaid lightly.
The facts are clear and cannot be gainsaid.
She would never gainsay her mentor’s advice.