Words / C1

ri-FYOOT/rɪˈfjuːt/

To refute is to prove a claim wrong: refute an allegation with data. Deny is to say it is not true, without proof; rebut is to argue against, often in a formal reply. Refutation is the noun. Journalists sometimes use refute as a stylish deny — examiners still prefer the “prove wrong” sense. Do not write refute for a shrug.

Meaning

To prove that a statement or theory is wrong.

Examples

• “The second study refuted the original claim, not merely denied it.”
• “A timestamped log refuted the claim that the file was never sent.”
• “Denying a rumour is not refuting it; you still need the counter-evidence.”

Good to know

Prove wrong (stronger than deny). Close: rebut (argue back). Noun: refutation. Casual press sometimes weakens it to “deny”.

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