refute
UK: rɪˈfjuːt | US: rɪˈfjuːt
vt. to prove a statement, theory, or claim to be false or incorrect
vt. to deny the truth or validity of something through argument or evidence
refute = re<back, against> + fute<to beat, strike>
- re: A Latin prefix meaning "back" or "against," often indicating opposition or reversal.
- fute: Derived from Latin futare (a variant of fūtīre, meaning "to beat" or "to strike").
Etymology Origin:
The word "refute" originates from Latin refūtāre, combining re- (against) and fūtāre (to beat). The literal sense was "to beat back" an argument, evolving metaphorically into "to disprove" or "deny" through logical or evidentiary means. This reflects the adversarial nature of debate, where counterarguments "strike down" opposing claims.
The scientist refuted the outdated theory with new experimental data.
Lawyers worked tirelessly to refute the witness's testimony.
Her research paper effectively refutes common misconceptions about climate change.
He tried to refute the accusations, but lacked evidence.
Historical records refute the myth that the event never occurred.