refute
/rɪˈfjuːt/ (bre, ipa) · /rɪˈfjuːt/ (ame, ipa) · /ri-ˈfyüt/ (ame, mw)
refute — verb
- refutepresent simple I / you / we / they
- refuteshe / she / it
- refutedpast simple
- refuting-ing form
1. to use facts, evidence, or careful reasoning to show that a statement, idea, or
to use facts, evidence, or careful reasoning to show that a statement, idea, or accusation is not true or correct; in less formal use, to strongly disagree with and deny a claim.
Mei-Lin refuted the reviewer's claims by showing the raw data from her experiment.
refute + abstract noun (claim) + evidence phrase
The lawyer refuted the prosecutor's main argument during cross-examination.
Dr. Okafor refuted the theory that the disease spreads only through direct contact.
The accusation was never refuted, so many people assumed it was true.
Javier refuted the rumour by posting photographic evidence online.
- disprove
closest synonym; emphasizes proving false through evidence rather than just arguing against it
- rebut
more common in formal debate and legal contexts; implies a formal, structured response
- deny
weaker than refute; means to state something is not true without necessarily offering proof
- contradict
focuses on asserting the opposite, often without the requirement of proof
- confirm
to show that something is definitely true, the opposite of proving it false
- substantiate
to provide evidence supporting a claim, the opposite of refuting it
文法句型
refute + [claim / theory / argument / allegation]
refute + that-clause
passive: be refuted by [evidence / study / person]
用法筆記
Some careful writers and editors believe 'refute' should only mean 'prove wrong with evidence,' not simply 'deny.' In everyday journalism and speech, however, it is common to see 'refute' used for both meanings. In academic writing, prefer the stronger sense — support the refutation with evidence.