Refute

Pronunciation: /rɪˈfjut/

Definitions of refute

verb to prove a statement or theory to be wrong or false

Example Sentences

A1 I cannot refute the fact that I ate all the cookies.

A2 She tried to refute the rumors about her relationship.

B1 The scientist refuted the theory with solid evidence.

B2 The lawyer refuted the witness's testimony with contradictory statements.

C1 The expert refuted the claims made by the opposing side during the debate.

C2 It is difficult to refute the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution.

Examples of refute in a Sentence

formal The scientist presented evidence to refute the theory proposed by his colleague.

informal I tried to refute his argument, but he wouldn't listen to reason.

slang I totally shut down his point with facts to refute it.

figurative She used her success to refute the doubters and prove them wrong.

Grammatical Forms of refute

• past tense: refuted
• plural: refutes
• comparative: more refutable
• superlative: most refutable
• present tense: refutes
• future tense: will refute
• perfect tense: have refuted
• continuous tense: is refuting
• singular: refute
• positive degree: refute
• infinitive: to refute
• gerund: refuting
• participle: refuted

Origin and Evolution of refute

First Known Use: 1555 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'refute' originated from the Latin word 'refutare', which means to beat back or repel.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'refute' has evolved to mean to prove a statement or theory to be wrong or false through evidence or argumentation.