Refutation Meaning
/ˌɹɛf.jʊˈteɪ.ʃən/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounAn act of refuting or disproving; the disproving of an argument, opinion, testimony, doctrine or theory by argument or countervailing proof; evidence of falseness.
nounA vocal answer to an attack on one's assertions.
Sentence Examples
The scientist provided a strong refutation of the old theory.
We are waiting for a formal and clear refutation of the claims.
She provided a convincing refutation of the opponent's argument.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The scientist's discovery provided a strong ____ of the old theory, showing it was wrong.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The scientist published a detailed ____ of the claims made in the controversial study.
Word Origin & History
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).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"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."
— 1913, William Horton Foster, “Refutation”, in Debating for Boys, page 78:
"The conclusion to which we shall be led by a full consideration of these facts will be that the effective refutation of such errors will frequently require further intellectual advance, and often advance on points which are very abstract and may seem very remote from the practical issues."
— 1949, F. A. Hayek, “The Intellectuals and Socialism”, in University of Chicago Law Review, volume 16, number 3, Chicago: University of Chicago, →DOI, page 423:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
The scientist's discovery provided a strong ____ of the old theory, showing it was wrong.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The scientist published a detailed ____ of the claims made in the controversial study.