refutation

CEFRC1

/ˌɹɛf.jʊˈteɪ.ʃən/

noun

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    noun

    An argument or evidence showing that something is wrong.

  2. 02

    noun

    Extra detail

    A vocal answer to an attack on one's assertions.

Examples

  • She provided a convincing refutation of the opponent's argument.

  • The scientist provided a strong refutation of the old theory.

At a glance

Sits at C1 on the CEFR scale

Senses
3
Parts of speech
1
Citations
2
Synonyms
5

Also pronounced

  • /ˌɹef.jʊˈtæɪ.ʃən/

Deep Dive

noun

Extra meaning

  1. An act of refuting or disproving; the disproving of an argument, opinion, testimony, doctrine or theory by argument or countervailing proof; evidence of falseness.

More examples

In context

  • We are waiting for a formal and clear refutation of the claims.

  • Near-synonyms: rebuttal (see note), counterargument, counterassertion, counterclaim, denial

  • Apply these tests to his arguments and you will render your task of refutation easier. But in your refutation, be sure you refute. Don’t think for a minute that either heat or violence or sarcasm is a good answer.

Synonyms

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

The scientist's discovery provided a strong blank of the old theory, showing it was wrong.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

noun

Borrowed from Middle French refutation (compare French réfutation, Spanish refutación, Portuguese refutação, Italian refutazione) or its etymon Latin refūtātiō, from refūtō + -ātiō. By surface analysis, refute + -ation. First attested in 1536 (in sense 1).