Rebut Meaning
/ɹɪˈbʌt/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
verbTo drive back or beat back; to repulse.
verbTo deny the truth of something, especially by presenting arguments that disprove it.
Sentence Examples
You'll have three minutes to rebut the argument of the opposing side.
The sheer volume of disinformation is difficult to rebut.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The lawyer presented evidence to ____ the false claims made by the opponent.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The scientist used new data to ____ the claims made in the controversial paper.
Word Origin & History
Inherited from Middle English rebutten, rebouten, from Old French reboter, rebuter, rebouter, etc., from re- + boter, buter, bouter (“to butt”). Entered English around 1302-1307.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Who him r'encountring fierce, as hauke in flight, / Perforce rebutted backe."
— 1590, Edmund Spenser, “Book I, Canto XI”, in The Faerie Queene. […], London: […] [John Wolfe] for William Ponsonbie, →OCLC, stanza 53:
"Rebutting allegations that Scotland's railways had been deliberately run down, he pointed out that in the past nine years over £70m had been spent on their development."
— 1964 June, “News and Comment: Reprieve in the Far North”, in Modern Railways, page 373:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The lawyer presented evidence to ____ the false claims made by the opponent.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The scientist used new data to ____ the claims made in the controversial paper.