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Confutation: meaning, definitions and examples

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confutation

 

[ˌkɒnfjʊˈteɪʃən ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

logical argument

Confutation refers to the act of proving a statement, theory, or argument to be false or wrong. It involves refuting or disproving the validity of a claim through logical reasoning and evidence.

Synonyms

disproof, rebuttal, refutation, repudiation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
confutation

This entry is a duplicate and should be removed.
refutation

Used broadly in both formal and informal settings to describe the act of proving a statement or theory wrong.

  • Her refutation of the myths surrounding dieting was well-received by the audience.
disproof

Used when presenting evidence or argument that definitively shows that a statement or hypothesis is false.

  • The lawyer's cross-examination led to a disproof of the witness's earlier testimony.
rebuttal

Commonly used in debates and legal settings to provide counterarguments or evidence against previously presented points.

  • In his rebuttal, the attorney challenged the credibility of the prosecution's key witness.
repudiation

Often used in political or legal contexts, with a stronger connotation of rejection and denial. It can carry a negative or confrontational tone.

  • The politician's repudiation of the scandalous rumors was vehement and decisive.

Examples of usage

  • His confutation of the opposing argument was so compelling that no one could refute it.
  • The confutation of the hypothesis was based on empirical evidence and sound reasoning.
  • The debate ended with a powerful confutation of the proposed legislation.
  • The confutation of the conspiracy theory left the skeptics with no ground to stand on.
  • She presented a strong confutation of the allegations against her.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'confutatio', meaning 'to refute or disprove'.
  • The prefix 'con-' suggests 'together', while 'futare' relates to 'to beat' or 'to strike down', making it about striking down an idea.
  • It has been part of the English language since the late 16th century, often used in formal debates.

Philosophy

  • In philosophical discussions, confutation is central to dialectical methods, where two opposing ideas are debated.
  • Confutation often aims to achieve clarity in arguments, helping to distinguish between truth and falsehood.
  • Many famous philosophers, including Socrates, practiced forms of confutation through questioning to reveal contradictions in thinking.

Rhetoric

  • In rhetoric, confutation can enhance persuasive speaking by directly addressing and countering opposing arguments.
  • Effective confutation often involves using evidence, logic, and strong reasoning.
  • It is a key strategy in debates, where both sides try to undermine the other’s position.

Education

  • Teachers often encourage students to practice confutation by questioning popular misconceptions.
  • Skills developed through confutation can enhance critical thinking, helping students analyze arguments effectively.
  • Confutation is often employed in research, where scholars challenge previous findings to advance knowledge.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and TV shows, confutation appears during argument scenes where characters debunk each other’s claims.
  • Famous court cases often showcase confutation as lawyers attempt to disprove evidence presented by the opposition.
  • Debate competitions often spotlight the art of confutation, highlighting the importance of logic and strategy in real-time arguments.

Translations

Translations of the word "confutation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 refutação

🇮🇳 खंडन

🇩🇪 Widerlegung

🇮🇩 sanggahan

🇺🇦 спростування

🇵🇱 obalenie

🇯🇵 反駁 (hanbaku)

🇫🇷 réfutation

🇪🇸 refutación

🇹🇷 çürütme

🇰🇷 반박 (banbak)

🇸🇦 تفنيد

🇨🇿 vyvrácení

🇸🇰 vyvrátenie

🇨🇳 反驳 (fǎnbó)

🇸🇮 ovržba

🇮🇸 afsönnun

🇰🇿 теріске шығару

🇬🇪 გამამართლებელი

🇦🇿 təkzib

🇲🇽 refutación

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,096 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.