dismiss rumors=deny rumors

[LiuJing]

Any difference in nuance between dismiss rumors and deny rumors?

Thank you.

[TheParser]

Any difference in nuance between dismiss rumors and deny rumors?

Thank you.

********** NOT A TEACHER **********

Hello, LiuJing.

(1) I think there is a difference.

Tom: Did you kiss my girlfriend yesterday?

Joe: Absolutely not! I deny doing that. Who ever told you that

is a liar.

*****

Mona: Is it true that you kissed Tony yesterday?

Laura: Oh, Mona, who told you that? Don't believe all the

gossip that you hear. Well, are you ready for our trip to the

shopping mall?

Mona: Listen, Laura. Don't dismiss the rumors like that. I want

the truth.

Laura: OK! OK! Ok! I did kiss Tony yesterday. Can you ever forgive me?

Thank you

[esltutor]

I believe there is a difference in nuance.

If I "deny" the rumors, I actually listen to them and then say they are not true. I address the rumors or people stating the rumors.

If I "dismiss" the rumors, I don't even address them. Perhaps they are so ridiculous, I won't even justify them with a response.

I hope this helps,

Debra
Teaching ESL to Adults