English vocabulary · C1
Refute
/rɪˈfjuːt/ · v.
Refute means to show that what someone says is wrong. You give clear facts that prove the truth, so other people can see the mistake.
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Example sentences
- Facts refuted the old claim.
- One photo refuted his story.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- refutare — oppose (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- DISPROVE — prove an idea is wrong (Show It Is False)
- REBUT — give facts against a claim (Answer With Facts)
- CONTRADICT — state that something is wrong (Say The Opposite)
Similar words
- disprove
- rebut
- contradict
Lesson notes
Refute means to show that what someone says is wrong. You give clear facts that prove the truth, so other people can see the mistake.
Related: disprove, rebut, contradict. Use refute when clear facts show a claim is wrong.
Facts refuted the old claim. One photo refuted his story.
From Latin. Refutare means oppose. Refutare became English refute. Facts refute false claims.