French translation of gainsay is 
contredire

Meaning of "gainsay" in English

The word "gainsay" is a verb meaning to deny or contradict a statement. It involves expressing disagreement or disputing the truth of something. Gainsay is often used in contexts where someone is challenging or arguing against a claim, assertion, or opinion. It suggests a certain level of opposition or rebuttal, emphasizing the act of speaking against something established or asserted by others. In formal or literary contexts, gainsay continues to be used, though it might be considered somewhat old-fashioned in everyday conversation.

Meaning of "contredire" in French

The French word "contredire" means to contradict or oppose, akin to the English "gainsay." It involves challenging or refusing to agree with a statement or belief by saying that it is not true. This verb is used when expressing opposition, disagreement, or disputing the validity or truth of a claim made by someone else. Like in English, it can be used in formal discussions or arguments, signaling a direct denial or opposition to what has been stated.

Pronunciation of "gainsay" in English

Phonetic Transcription: [ˈɡeɪnseɪ]

Pronunciation Variations: The pronunciation of "gainsay" is generally consistent across English-speaking regions, with minor variations in accent. In some dialects, there might be a slight variation in the emphasis placed on each syllable, but the overall pronunciation remains the same.

Pronunciation of "contredire" in French

Phonetic Transcription: [kɔ̃tʁediʁ]

Pronunciation Variations: The pronunciation of "contredire" remains fairly stable across different French-speaking areas. Regional accents might lead to slight differences in pronunciation, particularly in the intensity of the nasality in the first syllable, but these do not significantly alter the standard pronunciation.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

1. It's hard to gainsay the evidence presented in the report. (Il est difficile de contredire les preuves présentées dans le rapport.)
2. No one could gainsay his knowledge on the subject. (Personne ne pouvait contredire sa connaissance du sujet.)
3. She refused to gainsay her friend, even if she disagreed. (Elle a refusé de contredire son amie, même si elle n'était pas d'accord.)
4. The witness's testimony was difficult to gainsay. (Le témoignage du témoin était difficile à contredire.)
5. He was not one to gainsay authority without reason. (Il n'était pas du genre à contredire l'autorité sans raison.)
6. They knew better than to gainsay their father's decisions. (Ils savaient mieux que de contredire les décisions de leur père.)
7. His bold assertion left no room to gainsay. (Son affirmation audacieuse ne laissait aucune place à la contradiction.)
8. She gainsaid her opponent’s points with confidence. (Elle a contredit les arguments de son adversaire avec confiance.)
9. Nothing they said could gainsay the truth of the situation. (Rien de ce qu'ils ont dit ne pouvait contredire la vérité de la situation.)
10. The senator chose to gainsay the proposed legislation. (Le sénateur a choisi de contredire la législation proposée.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "gainsay" in English

Synonyms: deny, contradict, refute, dispute, challenge, oppose, rebut, disclaim, counter, negate.

Antonyms: confirm, agree, affirm, endorse, concede, acknowledge, support, accept, admit, uphold.

Similar Words: object, dissent, question, negate, counter, debate, argue, oppose, dispute, challenge.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "contredire" in French

Synonyms: réfuter, nier, démentir, opposer, contester, s'opposer, challengers, disputer, répliquer, s'opposer.

Antonyms: confirmer, approuver, affirmer, accepter, soutenir, entériner, admettre, concéder, reconnaître, valider.

Similar Words: objecter, discuter, répliquer, réfuter, débattre, contester, hésiter, résister, opposer, contredire.

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