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.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • Turning Your Working Hypothesis into a Claim

    • Well, if it works to refute a commonly promoted interpretation of the narrative style of the novel, then probably so.
  • Responding to Others in Class Discussions

    • Even disagreeing with another student's position can be an opportunity to articulate what in the text supports or refutes their specific points.
  • The Importance of Addressing Opposing Views

    • Just as you built your own argument, to refute opposing views, you'll need to include evidence from research studies, statistics, and quoted opinions from experts.
  • The Practice of Conversation

    • You may choose to state your main points, address and refute the opposition, and then conclude.
  • Assembling Your Argument

    • Instead, think of this element as preparation for refuting their claims.
Subjects
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