Distinguishing Between Refuse & Deny

Refuse vs Deny

Although many people might not recognize the distinction between “refuse” and “deny,” these two words are often confused due to their similar meanings. To better understand the difference between them, it’s helpful to examine each word separately. Both words have their origins in Middle English. Interestingly, when “refuse” is used as a noun, it refers to rubbish.

Meaning of Refuse

The term “refuse” generally means “turning down an offer or a chance.” Consider the following examples:

He refused the help of his brother.
She refused to accept the offer.

In both sentences, “refuse” signifies “turning down.” In the first example, it means “he turned down his brother’s help,” while in the second, it means “she turned down the offer.” “Refuse” is used as a verb and has a noun form in the word “refusal.” Often, “refuse” is followed by the preposition “to.”

Meaning of Deny

Conversely, “deny” is used to signify “not accepting an allegation or a fact.” Observe the following examples:

She denied the fact.
He denied the allegations made against his brother.

In these sentences, “deny” means “non-acceptance.” In the first example, it means “she did not accept the fact,” while in the second, it means “he did not accept the allegations made against his brother.” “Deny” is also a verb and has a noun form in the word “denial.” It is not followed by the preposition “to” or any other preposition, making it distinct from “refuse.”

Difference between Refuse and Deny

• “Refuse” is used to mean “turning down an offer or a chance,” while “deny” means “not accepting an allegation or a fact.”
• “Refuse” is a verb with a noun form in the word “refusal,” whereas “deny” is also a verb with a noun form in the word “denial.”
• “Refuse” is often followed by the preposition “to,” while “deny” is not followed by any preposition.