Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

gainsaying

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: 1.17 in modern English

Syllables: gain-say-ing
IPA

15

Scrabble Score

10

Letters

3

Syllables

6

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

Opposition, especially in speech.

noun

Refusal to accept or believe something.

noun

noun

Denial; denying.

noun

Rebellious opposition; rebellion.

Archaic; Obsolete

verb

present participle and gerund of gainsay

Example Sentences

"This gainsaying may take numberless forms: [...]"
"Wee'le part the time betweene's then: and in that Ile no gaine-saying. […]"
"So that it is best to take this meaning here, and understand, that an oath puts an end to all gainsaying by confirming the matter one way, in which all parties consent [...]"
"There is no gainsaying this logic."
"But there was no gainsaying the wisdom of the advice which he had given me as to concealing the treasure."
"Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core."

Etymology

From Middle English gaynesayenge, ȝeinseiing, ȝeinsegging, equivalent to gainsay + -ing.

Origin

Source language: Middle English

Word Breakdown

Root: gaynesayenge
Suffix: gainsay

Usage

Inflected Forms

gainsayings (plural)

Frequently Paired Words

gainsaw

Questions

What does gainsaying mean?: Opposition, especially in speech.
Where does gainsaying come from?: It is traced to Middle English.

How to pronounce gainsaying

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