refutation
UK: ˌrefjuˈteɪʃn | US: ˌrɛfjəˈteɪʃən
n. the act of proving a statement or theory to be wrong or false
n. a detailed rebuttal or argument against a claim
refutation = re<back, against> + fut<speak> + ation<noun suffix>
- re: Latin prefix meaning "back" or "against," indicating opposition or reversal.
- fut: Derived from Latin futare (variant of fari, "to speak"), implying verbal argument or discourse.
- ation: Suffix forming nouns denoting an action or process.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin refutatio, from refutare ("to repel or disprove"), combining re- (against) and futare (to speak). It entered English in the 16th century, retaining its core sense of logically countering an argument through speech or evidence. The morphemes reflect a structured opposition: re- negates, fut grounds it in verbal debate, and -ation formalizes the act.
His essay included a thorough refutation of the opponent's claims.
The scientist presented a refutation of the outdated theory.
Logical fallacies weaken the strength of a refutation.
Her refutation was so compelling that the audience applauded.
The debate team prepared a detailed refutation for every potential argument.