refute
- 01 C1 Advanced
to show that a statement or theory is wrong by providing evidence or a better argument.
to prove a statement, claim, or theory to be false or incorrect through the presentation of evidence or logical reasoning.
Simple“The scientist published new data to refute the old theory about climate change.”
In context“The defense attorney presented a series of forensic reports that effectively refuted the prosecution's timeline of the events.”
UsageThis is a transitive verb that requires a direct object, typically a claim, theory, or argument.
Teacher's tipStrict grammarians insist that 'refute' must involve proof; using it to mean 'simply deny' is common in journalism but often marked as incorrect in academic contexts.
PitfallHe refuted the accusations but had no proof. He denied the accusations but had no proof.In formal writing, 'refute' means you have successfully proved something is wrong. If you just say it isn't true without proof, use 'deny'.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
to say firmly that something is not true, even if you do not have proof yet.
to reject or disagree with an accusation or statement; often used as a synonym for 'deny' in non-academic registers.
Simple“The politician quickly refuted the claims of corruption during the press conference.”
In context“Although the spokesperson refuted the rumors of a merger, the company's stock price continued to fluctuate wildly.”
UsageCommonly used in news reporting to describe a person's response to an allegation.
Teacher's tipWhile widely used to mean 'deny', students should be warned that this usage is technically 'proscribed' or discouraged in formal examinations.
“Firstly, it refutes the hypothesis that any organics found in fossils must result from contamination.”
From Latin refūtō (“refute, repudiate”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.