Cool MateDeny vs Reject
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Deny
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Reject
Top 2,000 (common)B1verb
Most common: Deny
| Deny | Reject | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈnaɪ/","/dɪˈnaɪz/","/dɪˈnaɪd/","/dɪˈnaɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈnaɪ/","/dɪˈnaɪz/","/dɪˈnaɪd/","/dɪˈnaɪɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //rɪˈdʒɛkt//🇺🇸 //rɪˈdʒɛkt// |
| Meaning | To say that something is not true or to refuse to accept something. | To say no to something or someone. |
| Example | She decided to deny the accusations made against her. | She decided to reject the job offer due to low salary. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | B1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | adamantly, emphatically, fiercely, cannot, try to, no one could deny (that)…, no one would deny (that)…, there is no denying something, adamantly, emphatically, fiercely, cannot, try to, no one could deny (that)…, no one would deny (that)…, there is no denying something, cruelly, effectively, routinely, to | reject an offer, reject an idea, reject a proposal, reject a candidate |
| Antonyms | accept, acknowledge, admit | accept, embrace, approve |
| Common mistakes | 'Deny' is sometimes incorrectly used as a noun, e.g., 'a deny'., Confused with 'refuse' - 'deny' is more about truth, while 'refuse' is about willingness., Learners may forget to use an object with 'deny'. | Confused with 'refuse' - 'reject' is more formal., Using 'reject' without an object - remember to say what is being rejected. |
| Usage notes | Use 'deny' when someone refuses to accept a fact or truth. It is common in both spoken and written English, but can be less suitable in very casual conversations. | Use 'reject' when declining offers, ideas, or proposals. It's appropriate in formal and informal settings but may sound harsh in personal situations. |
Frequently asked questions: Deny vs Reject
What's the difference between Deny and Reject?
Deny: To say that something is not true or to refuse to accept something. Reject: To say no to something or someone.
Which is more common: Deny and Reject?
Deny is the most common in everyday English.
Are Deny and Reject the same CEFR level?
Deny: B2, Reject: B1 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Deny and Reject interchangeably?
Not always. Deny and Reject are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.