Negar vs. desmentir
The Spanish language features different verbs to express the concept of denial, including 'negar' and 'desmentir'. Even though both words can often be used interchangeably, they can bear slight differences in usage and connotation.
Negar
'Negar' generally means to deny or to refuse acknowledgement. It could be denying the existence or occurrence of something, or refusing to grant or do something.
El acusado negó los cargos durante el juicio.
(The accused denied the charges during the trial.)
Ella me negó la oportunidad de explicar.
(She denied me the opportunity to explain.)
Él negó que el regalo fuera de él.
(He denied that the gift was from him.)
Desmentir
'Desmentir' is specifically used when refuting an assertion or a claim. It is often used when you are denying a statement or rumour as false that someone else has mentioned or spreading.
Ella tuvo que desmentir los rumores sobre su retiro.
(She had to deny the rumors about her retirement.)
El político desmintió las acusaciones de corrupción en un comunicado oficial.
(The politician denied the corruption allegations in an official statement.)
La empresa tuvo que desmentir la información errónea sobre su producto.
(The company had to deny the incorrect information about its product.)
Summary
While both 'negar' and 'desmentir' are used to convey denial in Spanish, 'negar' is more general and can refer to denying facts, behaviors or requests. 'Desmentir', on the other hand, is typically used when refuting a specific claim, accusation or rumours.