refute

Word family

re·fute /rɪˈfjuːt/ verb [transitiveT] formal

1 PROVEto prove that a statement or idea is not correct 批驳，反驳〔陈述或观点〕 SYN rebut

refute a hypothesis/a claim/an idea etc

an attempt to refute Darwin’s theories

反驳达尔文理论的尝试

2 UNFAIRto say that a statement is wrong or unfair 驳斥；否认 SYN deny

refute an allegation/a suggestion etc

She refuted any allegations of malpractice.

她否认任何有关玩忽职守的指控。

—refutable adjectiveadj

—refutation /ˌrefjʊˈteɪʃən/ noun [countableC, uncountableU]

Examples from the Corpus

refute• He learned how to boom out facts and figures to the city council members that they were unable to refute.• Something which I can positively refute!• The accusation has been wholly refuted by an in-depth analysis of the evidence.• The technique can also be used to confirm or refute current theories.• I knew that he was lying but I had no evidence with which to refute his story.• Several scientists have attempted to refute Moore's theories.• There was really very little I could do actively to refute the charge of selfishness.• These data do not refute the law of demand.• This time, Gold did not refute the point.• It is hard to refute these biblical arguments.• There is no reason to refute this argument: undoubtedly this is a sentiment seemingly shared by many Shetlanders.

Origin refute

(1500-1600) Latin refutare, from -futare “to hit”

re·fute verb

Chinese

Syllable

Corpus