English vocabulary · C1
Rebut
/rɪˈbʌt/ · v.
Rebut means to show that a claim is not true by giving facts or proof. You push the claim back with a clear answer.
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Example sentences
- The report rebuts the claim.
- She used clear facts to rebut his story.
Word origin and roots
from Old French
- re — back (from Old French)
- bout — push (from Old French)
Synonyms and nuances
- REFUTE — to prove a claim wrong (Show A Claim Is Wrong)
- DENY — to say something is not true (Say It Is Not True)
- COUNTER — to answer against an idea (Give An Answer Back)
Words with the same root
bout — push
- butt — to push with the head
Lesson notes
Rebut means to show that a claim is not true by giving facts or proof. You push the claim back with a clear answer.
Related: refute, deny, counter. Use rebut when facts show that a claim is wrong.
The report rebuts the claim. She used clear facts to rebut his story.
From Old French. Re- means back. Bout- means push. Push a false claim back with proof, and you rebut it.