French Conversation · Level 177
14 words
French word
démentir
Pronunciation
IPA/demɑ̃tiʁ/
Meaning
- verbdeny
Example
Le ministre a démenti les informations.
The minister denied the reports.
More examples
La compagnie a démenti les rumeurs.
The company denied the rumors.
Core concept
A spokesperson placing a firm rejection over a rumor or accusation.
Common phrases
démentir une rumeur
deny a rumor
démentir une information
deny information
démentir les accusations
deny the accusations
Similar words
nier: To firmly state that something is untrue.
contredire: To deny a statement or report by saying the opposite.
Definition in French
Dire qu'une information, une rumeur ou une accusation n'est pas vraie en la niant.
Word origin
The French verb developed from Old French desmentir, combining dé- with mentir, which descends from Latin mentiri.
Usage tips
- Démentir has a formal news and official-statement register, while nier is more general in everyday speech.