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refute
[ ri-fyoot ]
/ rɪˈfyut /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
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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QUIZ YOURSELF ON "WAS" VS. "WERE"!
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“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.
Origin of refute
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Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use refute in a sentence
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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