Confute: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in formal or academic settings to show that an argument or theory is wrong through solid evidence or reasoning.

• The professor confuted the student's hypothesis with extensive data from multiple studies.
• She confuted their biased claims by presenting objective statistical evidence.

Can be used both formally and informally to counter an argument or statement, suggesting that it is incorrect or false.

• The lawyer refuted the allegations with clear evidence.
• She refuted their arguments by citing recent research studies.

Commonly used in everyday language to show that something is false, usually through evidence.

• He was able to disprove the myth by conducting a simple experiment.
• The scientist aimed to disprove the long-held belief by running controlled tests.

Often used in legal or official contexts to show that something is no longer valid, legitimate, or acceptable.

• The court's new ruling invalidated the previous decision.
• Her findings invalidated the company's claims of a breakthrough.