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Wordabulary

refute

Pronunciation
Verb B1 Intermediate

Quick answer

To prove that a claim or argument is wrong.

"The scientist refuted the theory with new experimental data."

Synonyms and antonyms

Synonyms

disprove rebut

Antonyms

Usage notes

"Refute" is sometimes used loosely to mean "deny," but careful writers save it for cases where something has actually been proven false.

Test yourself

Which word fits the gap? "The scientist _____ the theory with new experimental data."

Answer: refute

In your own words, what does "refute" mean?

To prove that a claim or argument is wrong.

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