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Disproved: meaning, definitions and examples

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disproved

 

[ dɪsˈpruːvd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

scientific argument

To disprove something means to show that it is false or incorrect. This term is commonly used in scientific contexts where a hypothesis or theory is challenged and evidence is presented against it. For instance, if an experiment yields results that contradict a proposed theory, one may say that the theory has been disproved. Disproving is a critical part of the scientific method, promoting the need for evidence-based conclusions.

Synonyms

contradict, invalidate, negate, refute

Examples of usage

  • The experiment disproved the initial hypothesis.
  • Her findings disproved the commonly held belief.
  • Historical analysis has disproved the legend.
  • New data may disprove previously accepted theories.

Translations

Translations of the word "disproved" in other languages:

🇵🇹 refutado

🇮🇳 खारिज किया गया

🇩🇪 widerlegt

🇮🇩 dibantah

🇺🇦 спростований

🇵🇱 obalony

🇯🇵 反証された

🇫🇷 réfuté

🇪🇸 refutado

🇹🇷 çürütülmüş

🇰🇷 반박된

🇸🇦 مُدحض

🇨🇿 vyvrácený

🇸🇰 vyvrátený

🇨🇳 被驳斥的

🇸🇮 ovržen

🇮🇸 sýnt sanna

🇰🇿 бұзылған

🇬🇪 გადაწყვეტილი

🇦🇿 təkzib edilmiş

🇲🇽 refutado

Etymology

The term 'disprove' originates from the combination of the prefix 'dis-', which conveys a negation or reversal, and the word 'prove', derived from the Latin 'probare', meaning to test or to prove. The roots of 'prove' trace back to the Latin word that signifies the act of establishing the truth or validity of something through evidence or argument. The use of 'disprove' emerged in the English language around the early 17th century, encapsulating the idea of establishing the falsity of a claim through logical reasoning or demonstrable evidence. Over the centuries, as scientific inquiry and critical thinking became increasingly prominent in intellectual discourse, the need for a term that articulates the act of refutation led to the broader acceptance and application of 'disprove' in both informal and formal contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,323, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.