Word
refute
Phoneticsre·fute, stress on the second syllable
US/ɹɪfˈjut/
UK/ɹɪfjˈuːt/
Definitions
01to prove false
C1 · Advanced Academic · Formal
v. to show that a statement or theory is wrong by providing evidence or a better argument.
v. to prove a statement, claim, or theory to be false or incorrect through the presentation of evidence or logical reasoning.
“The scientist published new data to refute the old theory about climate change.”
“The defense attorney presented a series of forensic reports that effectively refuted the prosecution's timeline of the events.”
Synonyms
02to deny strongly
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal
v. to say firmly that something is not true, even if you do not have proof yet.
v. to reject or disagree with an accusation or statement; often used as a synonym for 'deny' in non-academic registers.
“The politician quickly refuted the claims of corruption during the press conference.”
“Although the spokesperson refuted the rumors of a merger, the company's stock price continued to fluctuate wildly.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object representing the claim or person being challenged.
Pitfall
He refuted that he was there.
He denied that he was there.
Refute requires proving something is false with evidence; if someone simply says something isn't true, use 'deny'.
Real-World Examples
“Firstly, it refutes the hypothesis that any organics found in fossils must result from contamination.” “But both Johnson and Seward publicly refuted Killian’s claim.” Etymology
From Latin refūtō (“refute, repudiate”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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