Refute Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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refute

[rɪˈfjuːt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

argument

prove (a statement or theory) to be wrong or false; disprove.

Synonyms

contradict, deny, disprove, dispute.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
refute	Used when you provide evidence or argument that clearly shows something is wrong or false. The scientist refuted the old theory with new data He refuted the claim due to the lack of supporting evidence
disprove	Used in situations where you show that something is incorrect with evidence or logical argument. The experiment disproved the earlier hypothesis The lawyer disproved the witness's testimony
deny	Used when someone asserts that something is not true, often without providing proof. He denied the accusations against him She denied knowing anything about the incident
contradict	Used when stating the opposite of what someone else has said, often in conversation or argument. She contradicted his statement during the meeting His actions contradict his words
dispute	Used when questioning or challenging a statement, often in a formal argument or discussion. The two parties disputed the terms of the contract He disputed the accuracy of the report

Examples of usage

He refuted the allegations of his opponents.
She refuted the scientific theory with solid evidence.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

debate

argue against (a statement or theory), usually by presenting contrary evidence.

Synonyms

challenge, counter, oppose, rebut.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
refute	Typically used in formal or academic settings when presenting evidence or arguments to disprove a statement or theory. The scientist was able to refute the previous research with new experimental data. She refuted the allegations with documented proof of her innocence.
challenge	Used when questioning the validity or authority of something, often in a debate or contest setting. The lawyer challenged the witness's testimony during the cross-examination. He decided to challenge the existing norms and start a new trend.
oppose	Often used when being against a proposal, idea, or action, commonly in political or social contexts. Many people oppose the new law due to its potential negative effects. He firmly opposed the decision to cut the school's budget.
rebut	Typically used in formal debates or legal settings to present reasoning or evidence against an argument. The attorney rebutted the claims made by the prosecution. She provided data to rebut the accusations of fraud made against her.
counter	Commonly used when responding to or arguing against someone's statement or action, often in conversations or debates. She countered his argument with strong evidence that proved her point. The company issued a statement to counter the false rumors about their product.

Examples of usage

She refuted his claims during the debate.
The scientist refuted the outdated hypothesis with new research.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

law

prove (a will) to be invalid or void.

Synonyms

annul, invalidate, nullify, void.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
refute	Apply when you want to show that a statement or theory is incorrect or false, usually in an argument or debate. The scientist was able to refute the hypothesis with new experimental data. He refuted the accusations with solid evidence.
invalidate	Appropriate in technical or formal contexts to render a document, contract, or argument as having no legal or factual force. The revelation of new evidence can invalidate the previous ruling. Failure to meet the required conditions will invalidate the agreement.
nullify	Typically used in formal or legal contexts to make something legally null and void, effectively canceling it out. The new law aims to nullify previous unconstitutional policies. A breach of the contract can nullify the terms.
void	Used when declaring something legally invalid or without effect, often seen in legal, medical, or formal contexts. The contract was declared void due to lack of proper authorization. Any promises made under duress are considered void.
annul	Used in legal or formal contexts to declare something (like a marriage, contract, or law) to be invalid or void. The court decided to annul the marriage due to fraud. The agency has the power to annul the contradictory policies.

Examples of usage

The lawyer tried to refute the will in court.
The court refused to refute the legal document.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Political Rhetoric

In politics, to refute an opponent's claim can be crucial during debates, influencing public opinion and policy.
Refutations often involve presenting evidence or logical reasoning that counters an assertion, making it a fundamental part of persuasive communication.
The art of refutation is studied in debate clubs and law schools, showcasing its importance in forming critical thinkers.

Philosophy

Philosophers like Aristotle emphasized the importance of refutation in logical arguments, believing that a strong argument must address and counter potential objections.
Socratic dialogue often includes refuting assumptions to reveal contradictions and lead to deeper understanding.
In critical thinking, refuting an argument is essential for evaluating its validity and logic.

Science

In the scientific method, refutation is a key component, as hypotheses must be tested and potentially disproven to validate scientific claims.
Falsifiability, the ability to be refuted, is a key principle in distinguishing scientific theories from non-scientific ones.
Great scientific debates, like those between Newtonian and Einsteinian physics, often involved refuting previous theories.

Literature

Many literary works revolve around themes of refutation, where characters challenge societal norms or each other's beliefs.
Famous authors, like George Orwell, used refutation in their writings to critique political ideologies and expose contradictions.
The structure of debates in literature often mirrors real-life discussions, where characters must refute adversaries to validate their perspectives.

Origin of 'refute'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'refutare', meaning 'to drive back' or 'to check', suggesting the act of pushing back against an argument.
In English, it has been used since the late 16th century, mainly in contexts related to law and debate.
Early uses were closely associated with formal arguments, reflecting its importance in academic and judicial settings.

The word 'refute' originated from the Latin word 'refutare', which means 'to repel, resist, reject'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. Over time, 'refute' has been used in various contexts, especially in debates, arguments, and legal proceedings to challenge or disprove statements or theories. The term has evolved to become a crucial part of critical thinking and intellectual discourse.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,791, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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13788 schist
13789 synchronization
13790 structuring
13791 refute
13792 humiliating
13793 lifeless
13794 residency
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