refute
[ ri-fyoot ]
/ rɪˈfyut /
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verb (used with object), re·fut·ed, re·fut·ing.
to prove to be false or erroneous, as an opinion or charge.
to prove (a person) to be in error.
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Origin of refute
OTHER WORDS FROM refute
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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British Dictionary definitions for refute
refute
/ (rɪˈfjuːt) /
verb
(tr) to prove (a statement, theory, charge, etc) of (a person) to be false or incorrect; disprove
to deny (a claim, charge, allegation, etc)
Derived forms of refute
refutable (ˈrɛfjʊtəbəl, rɪˈfjuː-), adjectiverefutability (ˌrɛfjʊtəˈbɪlɪtɪ, rɪˌfjuː-), nounrefutably, adverbrefuter, nounWord Origin for refute
C16: from Latin refūtāre to rebut
usage for refute
The use of refute to mean deny is thought by many people to be incorrect
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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