Refutation: meaning, definitions and examples

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refutation

[ˌrefjʊˈteɪʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

logical argument

A refutation is the act of proving a statement or theory to be wrong or false. It involves providing evidence or logical reasoning to demonstrate the inaccuracies or weaknesses in the argument being challenged.

Synonyms

contradiction, disproof, rebuttal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
refutation	Refutation is used when systematically arguing against a particular point or theory, often with detailed evidence and logic. His essay provided a thorough refutation of the opposing argument The scientist’s refutation of the hypothesis was based on new experimental data
rebuttal	Rebuttal is commonly used in debates, legal settings, or discussions to counter an argument or accusation, usually through concise points. In her rebuttal, she systematically addressed each point made by her opponent The lawyer delivered a strong rebuttal to the prosecutor’s claims
contradiction	Contradiction is used when presenting a direct opposition to a statement or idea, often pointing out inconsistencies. There is a clear contradiction between his statements and his actions Her testimony was full of contradictions
disproof	Disproof is typically used in formal or scientific contexts to show that a theory or statement is false, often through empirical evidence. The experiment served as a disproof of the long-standing theory Disproof of the hypothesis came after repeated failures in the experiment

Examples of usage

Her refutation of his claims left him speechless.
The scientist presented a strong refutation of the hypothesis during the debate.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

legal context

In a legal context, a refutation refers to the response or argument made to counter a claim or accusation. It is aimed at disproving the allegations brought against someone.

Synonyms

denial, disproof, rebuttal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
refutation	Used in formal discussions or debates to indicate the process of proving a statement or theory to be wrong or false. The scientist presented a strong refutation of the prevailing theories. Her refutation of the argument was compelling and well-reasoned.
rebuttal	Typically used in legal or formal debate settings to describe a counter-argument or evidence presented to contradict or nullify the opposing party's arguments. The lawyer's rebuttal was convincing and led to a new perspective on the case. He prepared a solid rebuttal against the accusations.
denial	Commonly used in everyday language to indicate a rejection of a statement or accusation. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation when someone is refusing to accept the truth. His denial of the accusations was vehement but unconvincing. She was in denial about the seriousness of her condition.
disproof	Often used in scientific or mathematical contexts to describe evidence or arguments that prove something is not true. No amount of disproof can convince him otherwise. The experiment provided disproof of the old hypothesis.

Examples of usage

The defense attorney prepared a thorough refutation of the prosecution's evidence.
The refutation presented in court strengthened the defendant's case.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

philosophical debate

In philosophical debates, a refutation is the act of disproving or undermining an opponent's argument or position through logical reasoning and counterarguments.

Synonyms

contradiction, disproof, rebuttal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
refutation	Used in arguments or debates to show that an idea or statement is false or not valid. Often formal. Her refutation of his argument was based on solid evidence The scientist presented a strong refutation of the pseudoscience theory
rebuttal	Used in arguments or debates to offer a contrary argument or evidence. Often seen in legal, academic, or formal debate settings. Her rebuttal to his claims was well-articulated and convincing The defense attorney delivered a compelling rebuttal to the prosecution's case
contradiction	Used when two things cannot both be true at the same time. Can be used in various contexts like everyday conversation, debates, and academic discussions. There is a clear contradiction between his words and actions Her statement is a direct contradiction of the evidence
disproof	Used when providing evidence or argument that proves something is not true. Often technical or scientific. The experiment served as a disproof of the initial hypothesis His research provided a disproof of the longstanding theory

Examples of usage

The philosopher's refutation of the opposing theory was well-received by the audience.
The refutation of the existentialist viewpoint sparked a heated discussion.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'refutation' comes from the Latin root 'refutare', which means 'to deny' or 'to rebut'.
Its first recorded use in English dates back to the late 16th century, showing its long-standing role in debates.
The prefix 're-' indicates a repeated action, while 'futare' relates to the notion of striking down an argument.

Philosophy

In classical philosophy, refutation is an essential part of logical reasoning, aimed at undermining opposing viewpoints.
Socratic questioning often involves refutation, as Socrates would ask probing questions to reveal contradictions in opponents' arguments.
Some philosophers argue that a strong refutation can strengthen one’s own position by establishing clarity and precision.

Law

Refutation is a key concept in legal arguments, where one side seeks to disprove or contradict the claims made by the other side.
In a courtroom, attorneys often use refutation to dismantle witnesses' testimonies and counter the evidence presented.
The effectiveness of a refutation can significantly influence a jury's decision-making process.

Science

In the scientific method, a hypothesis must be testable and refutable, meaning it should be able to be proven wrong.
Falsifiability is a crucial criterion for scientific theories, linked closely to the concept of refutation in research.
Successful refutations can lead to major breakthroughs, as they can prompt scientists to re-evaluate existing theories.

Rhetoric

In rhetoric, a refutation is often seen as a critical component of persuasive writing and speeches, helping to address counterarguments.
Effective speakers use refutation techniques to convince audiences by dismantling opposing views while reinforcing their own.
Famous orators, like Martin Luther King Jr. and Winston Churchill, used skilled refutation to powerfully articulate their ideas.

Translations

Translations of the word "refutation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 refutação

🇮🇳 खंडन

🇩🇪 Widerlegung

🇮🇩 penyangkalan

🇺🇦 спростування

🇵🇱 odparcie

🇯🇵 反論 (hanron)

🇫🇷 réfutation

🇪🇸 refutación

🇹🇷 çürütme

🇰🇷 반박 (banbak)

🇸🇦 دحض

🇨🇿 vyvrácení

🇸🇰 vyvrátenie

🇨🇳 反驳 (fǎnbó)

🇸🇮 zavrnitev

🇮🇸 hrakning

🇰🇿 теріске шығару

🇬🇪 უარყოფა

🇦🇿 təkzib

🇲🇽 refutación

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,257, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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16254 autograph
16255 primate
16256 porters
16257 refutation
16258 hash
16259 hoard
16260 curate
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