Word of the Day : January 7, 2018

gainsay \gayn-SAY\ verb

Definition

1 : to declare to be untrue or invalid

2 : contradict, oppose

Did You Know?

You might have trouble figuring out gainsay if you're thinking of our modern gain plus say. It should help to know that the gain- part is actually related to against—specifically the Old English prefix gēan- ("against, in opposition to"). From that came Middle English gain-, which was joined with sayen ("to say") to form gainsayen, the Middle English predecessor of gainsay. So when you see gainsay, think "to say against"—that is, "to deny" or "to contradict."

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Aired January 7, 2018

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