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Definition of Confute
1. Verb. Prove to be false. "The physicist disproved his colleagues' theories"
Specialized synonyms: Explode, Controvert, Rebut, Refute, Falsify
Generic synonyms: Contradict, Negate
Derivative terms: Confutation, Confutation, Confutative, Confuter, Disprover
Antonyms: Prove
Definition of Confute
1. v. t. To overwhelm by argument; to refute conclusively; to prove or show to be false or defective; to overcome; to silence.
Definition of Confute
1. Verb. (transitive now rare) To show (something or someone) to be false or wrong; to disprove or refute. ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Definition of Confute
1. to disprove [v -FUTED, -FUTING, -FUTES] - See also: disprove
Lexicographical Neighbors of Confute
Literary usage of Confute
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. Lectures on the Ethics of T.H. Green, Mr. Herbert Spencer, and J. Martineau by Henry Sidgwick (1902)
"I do not mean, as in his reply to me (Mind, 1881) he seems to think, that it is
necessary to confute Pessimism in order to prove Happiness to be the ..."
2. The Puritans: Or, The Church, Court, and Parliament of England, During the by Samuel Hopkins (1861)
"THOMAS CARTWRIGHT SOLICITED TO confute IT. — His RETURN TO ENGLAND. — HIS ARREST,
IMPRISONMENT, AND RELEASE. — INTERVIEW BETWEEN CARTWRIGHT AND WHITGIFT. ..."
3. Notes and Queries by Martim de Albuquerque (1858)
"Where reason must enlightened souls confute, To common earth ‘tis still forbidden
fruit; For all in torrents his inventions flow, And drown the little vales ..."
4. A General Collection of the Best and Most Interesting Voyages and Travels in by John Pinkerton (1814)
"... any regard to the relation of travellers who have been upon the fpot, and by
the evidence of their eyes can confute all that the ancients have written. ..."
5. A Pattern of Catechistical Doctrine: And Other Minor Works of Lancelot by Lancelot Andrewes (1846)
"... with authority, gravity, and majesty; as knowing that it is not his own word,
but the everlasting truth of God. fourthly, to reprove and confute. ..."