refute

[ ri-fyoot ]

verb (used with object)

, re·fut·ed, re·fut·ing.

1. to prove to be false or erroneous, as an opinion or charge.

   Synonyms: confute, rebut, disprove

2. to prove (a person) to be in error.

   Synonyms: confute

refute

/ rɪˈfjuː-; rɪˈfjuːt; ˈrɛfjʊtəbəl; ˌrɛfjʊtəˈbɪlɪtɪ; rɪˌfjuː- /

verb

1. tr to prove (a statement, theory, charge, etc) of (a person) to be false or incorrect; disprove
2. to deny (a claim, charge, allegation, etc)

Usage

The use of refute to mean deny is thought by many people to be incorrect

Derived Forms

• refutability, noun
• refutable, adjective
• ˈrefutably, adverb
• reˈfuter, noun

Other Words From

• re·fut·a·ble [ri-, fyoo, -t, uh, -b, uh, l, ref, -y, uh, -t, uh, -], adjective
• re·fut·er noun
• self-re·fut·ed adjective
• self-re·fut·ing adjective
• un·re·fut·ed adjective
• un·re·fut·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of refute¹

First recorded in 1505–15; from Latin refūtāre “to check, suppress, refute, rebut,” equivalent to re- re- + -fūtāre presumably, “to beat” (attested only with the prefixes con- and re-; confute )

Word History and Origins

Origin of refute¹

C16: from Latin refūtāre to rebut

Example Sentences

Republican leaders have accused the social media site of censoring conservative viewpoints, which Facebook refuted, saying it has guidelines that “do not permit the suppression of political perspectives.”

From Los Angeles Times

They don’t bother to refute charges or engage their opponents’ best arguments.

From Salon

However, Hallmark refuted Perry's claims in the lawsuit.

From Salon

The Dodgers’ injury-riddled pitching staff is refuting history and their reputation by shutting out playoff opponents for a record-tying 33 innings.

From Los Angeles Times

Believe it, because the Mets believe it, just like the San Diego Padres were forced into believing it, even though it refutes history and defies description.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• contradict
• counter
• disprove
• expose
• oppose
• quash
• rebut
• repudiate
• squelch