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Definition of Refute
1. Verb. Overthrow by argument, evidence, or proof. "The speaker refuted his opponent's arguments"
Generic synonyms: Disown, Renounce, Repudiate
Specialized synonyms: Contradict, Controvert, Oppose, Answer
Derivative terms: Rebuttal, Rebutter, Rebutter, Refutation, Refutation, Refuter
2. Verb. Prove to be false or incorrect.
Generic synonyms: Confute, Disprove
Derivative terms: Rebutter, Refutation, Refutation, Refuter
Definition of Refute
1. v. t. To disprove and overthrow by argument, evidence, or countervailing proof; to prove to be false or erroneous; to confute; as, to refute arguments; to refute testimony; to refute opinions or theories; to refute a disputant.
Definition of Refute
1. Verb. (transitive) To prove (something) to be false or incorrect. ¹
2. Verb. (transitive) To deny the truth or correctness of (something). ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Definition of Refute
1. to prove to be false or erroneous [v -FUTED, -FUTING, -FUTES]
Medical Definition of Refute
1. To disprove and overthrow by argument, evidence, or countervailing proof; to prove to be false or erroneous; to confute; as, to refute arguments; to refute testimony; to refute opinions or theories; to refute a disputant. "There were so many witnesses in these two miracles that it is impossible to refute such multitudes." (Addison) Synonym: To confute, disprove. See Confute. Origin: F. Refuter, L. Refuteare to repel, refute. Cf. Confute, Refuse to deny. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Refute
Literary usage of Refute
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot (1920)
"CHAPTER VI TENDING TO refute THE POPULAR PREJUDICE AGAINST THE PRESENT OP A
POCKET-KNIFE In that dark time of December, the sale of the household furniture ..."
2. Eugenio Rignano Upon the Inheritance of Acquired Characters: A Hypothesis of by Eugenio Rignano (1911)
"Phenomena Which refute Simple Epigenesis Roux designates, with the
expression "self-differentiation" of a certain part of the organism, the process
in which ..."
3. A Narrative of the Campaign in the Valley of the Shenandoah, in 1861 by Robert Patterson (1865)
"... and giving them an opportunity to cross-examine the witnesses against them.
or to refute or explain their testimony, is, in the opinion of this House, ..."
4. George Eliot's Works by George Eliot (1895)
"TENDING TO refute THE POPULAR PREJUDICE AGAINST THE PRESENT OF A POCKET-KNIFE.
IN that dark time of December, the sale of the household furniture lasted ..."
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