refute
Say it: rih-FYOOT /rɪˈfjut/ · verb
What “refute” means
Prove that a claim or argument is wrong.
More precisely: To prove a statement or argument wrong.
Example: “She refuted his claim by pulling up the actual sales figures.”
When to use it
When evidence shows a claim is false, especially in debates or formal writing; simply disagreeing is not enough.
Similar words
disprove, rebut, debunk
Where it comes from
From Latin refutare, "to repel, rebut."
Quick check
Someone claims the cupboard is empty, but you open it and reveal several tins. What does this evidence do?
refute or dispute?
Show the answer
refute
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