refute

(verb)

To prove something (a statement, theory, claim, argument) or someone wrong.

Related Terms

  • argument
  • counterargument
  • Meta-discussion

Examples of refute in the following topics:

  • Refuting Your Opposition

    • Remember, skeptical readers need to be convinced that your position is more reasonable than their own, and so your refutation will need to be both accurate and thorough. 
    • There are four basic parts to a refutation of an opposing argument: you introduce the counterargument, state your objection to it, offer evidence to support your view, and draw a clear conclusion by comparing the viewpoints head to head.
    • Here, the writer uses both a widely respected source and statistics that refute the counterclaim.
    • Make sure your claims and your refutations are not repetitive.
    • If you have a refutation that simply repeats one of your claims, see if you can find a different way to refute the opposing argument.
  • Introduction to the Four Functions of Governmen

    • The belief that all involuntary associations are bad is hard to refute.
  • Logical Fallacies

    • Straw man: creates the illusion of having refuted a proposition by replacing it with a superficially similar proposition (the "straw man"), and refuting it, without ever actually refuting the original.
    • Problem: B has misrepresented A's claim by falsely suggesting that A claimed that only sunny days are good, and then B refuted the misrepresented version of the claim, rather than refuting A's original assertion.
  • Techniques for Acknowledging Opposing Views

    • You can boost your credibility by acknowledging specific sources who disagree with your position, then effectively refuting their arguments.
    • However, if you cite counterarguments from experts in the field, and then work to refute those arguments effectively, you can lend authority to your own argument.
    • The more your readers believe that you are being fair to your opponents, the more likely they are to be open to your refutation.
    • And the last sentence tells the reader you will deal with each of the concerns—violation of territorial integrity, safety, and well-being—in your refutation.
    • That includes researching to find the thought leaders on the opposing side of your topic, presenting their arguments in an honest light, and then moving into respectful refutation.
  • Addressing Opposing Viewpoints

    • You may choose to state your main points, then address and refute the opposition, and then conclude.
  • Making Concessions

    • Use arguments that go against your thesis to support your argument by giving opposing viewpoints a fair chance and refuting them thoughtfully
  • Sourcing Technology

    • Provide a corporate context to support or refute the acquisition of said technology.
  • Wilson's Loss at Home

    • All of the Irreconcilables were bitter enemies of President Wilson, and he launched a nationwide speaking tour in the summer of 1919 to refute them.
  • Quoting Relevant Passages

    • By quoting authors who dispute your point of view, you demonstrate that you are willing to entertain opposing perspectives, and your refutation of their points will be all the more convincing.
  • Data Snooping: Testing Hypotheses Once You've Seen the Data

    • In other words, one wants to keep all data (regardless of whether they tend to support or refute the hypothesis) from "good tests", but it is sometimes difficult to figure out what a "good test" is.
Subjects
  • Accounting
  • Algebra
  • Art History
  • Biology
  • Business
  • Calculus
  • Chemistry
  • Communications
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Microbiology
  • Physics
  • Physiology
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Statistics
  • U.S. History
  • World History
  • Writing

Except where noted, content and user contributions on this site are licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 with attribution required.