# refute

/ɹɪfˈjut/ (US) · /ɹɪfjˈuːt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/refute
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to prove false

verb · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

to show that a statement or theory is wrong by providing evidence or a better argument.

For teachers: 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.

Usage: This is a transitive verb that requires a direct object, typically a claim, theory, or argument.

Teaching tip: Strict 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.

### 2. to deny strongly

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

to say firmly that something is not true, even if you do not have proof yet.

For teachers: 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: Commonly used in news reporting to describe a person's response to an allegation.

Teaching tip: While widely used to mean 'deny', students should be warned that this usage is technically 'proscribed' or discouraged in formal examinations.

## Examples

- The lawyer used new evidence to refute the witness's story.
- The scientist published a paper to refute the previous theory about how the virus spreads.
- While the initial data seemed to support the hypothesis, subsequent longitudinal studies have largely served to refute the claim that the two variables are linked.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.