desmentir
“desmentir” means “to deny” in Spanish (showing that a statement is false).
to deny
Also: to refute, to debunk
📝 In Action
La empresa tuvo que desmentir los rumores sobre su cierre.
B1The company had to deny the rumors about its closure.
Sus acciones desmienten sus palabras de amor.
B2His actions contradict his words of love.
Los científicos lograron desmentir la vieja teoría con nuevas pruebas.
C1Scientists managed to debunk the old theory with new evidence.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: desmentir
Question 1 of 3
How do you say 'They denied the rumor' in the past tense?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the prefix 'des-' (which means to undo or reverse) and the verb 'mentir' (to lie). Literally, it means 'to undo a lie'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'desmentir' always formal?
It is more common in formal settings like news or official statements, but you can use it in daily life if you are firmly proving that someone's claim about you is false.
Is it 'desmiento' or 'desmentio'?
In the present tense for 'I', it is 'yo desmiento' (with an 'i'). If you want to say 'He denied', it is 'él desmintió' (with an accent).
Can I use 'desmentir' for 'to lie'?
No, 'desmentir' is to prove a lie. If you want to say someone is lying, use the verb 'mentir'.