Word
disprove
Phoneticsdis·prove, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪsˈpɹuv/
UK/dɪspɹˈuːv/
Definition
v. to show that something is not true or correct. You use this when you have evidence that contradicts a statement or a theory.
v. to demonstrate that a statement, theory, or belief is false or invalid. Transitive — requires a direct object representing the claim being refuted.
Examples
“The new evidence helps to disprove the old theory.”
“Scientists conducted a series of experiments to disprove the hypothesis that the plant could survive without sunlight.”
“While the initial data suggested a correlation, subsequent peer-reviewed research was able to disprove the link between the two variables, leading to a complete revision of the original model.”
Examples
simple
“The new evidence helps to disprove the old theory.”
contextual
“Scientists conducted a series of experiments to disprove the hypothesis that the plant could survive without sunlight.”
complex
“While the initial data suggested a correlation, subsequent peer-reviewed research was able to disprove the link between the two variables, leading to a complete revision of the original model.”
Real-World Examples
“It’s an idea that some mathematicians believe is true but nobody has been able to prove or disprove.” “The results also do not disprove an idea proposed by study co-author Professor Sir Roger Penrose (University of Oxford).” Etymology
From Middle English disproven, dispreven, from Old French desprover, from des- + prover, equivalent to dis- + prove.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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