refute
gb/ɹɪfjˈut/ us/ɹɪfjˈut/
C1
English
~ 8600
megcáfol, cáfol, tagad
VERB
C1
FORMAL
1
megcáfol
C1
Usage pattern:
to refute [a claim/argument/theory]
The new data strongly refutes the claim that the drug has no side effects.
Az új adatok egyértelműen megcáfolják azt az állítást, hogy a gyógyszernek nincsenek mellékhatásai.
Her careful analysis refuted the theory that the painting was a modern forgery.
Gondos elemzése megcáfolta azt az elméletet, hogy a festmény modern hamisítvány.
Several eyewitness accounts refuted his version of the events.
The scientist refuted the long‑held belief with clear experimental evidence.
This study refutes the idea that social media use always harms mental health.
Learner examples
The report refutes the story in the newspaper.
A jelentés megcáfolja az újságban megjelent állítást.
New facts refuted the old theory about the disease.
Új tények megcáfolták a betegségről szóló régi elméletet.
His email refuted the rumor and showed it was false.
The lawyer refuted the witness’s statement with video evidence.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "refute" with "refuse". "Refute" means to prove something is not true; "refuse" means to say no to something. Another common mistake is to use "refute" when they only mean "disagree"; "refute" normally implies you give evidence or strong reasons, not just a different opinion.
Meaning
prove a claim or idea false
Collocations
refute a claim
|refute an argument
|refute an allegation
|refute a theory
|refute a belief
|refute a report
Synonyms
disprove (Very close in meaning; common in both everyday and formal contexts, slightly less forceful than refute.)
|
debunk (Often used when exposing a widely believed but false idea, sometimes with a slightly informal or dramatic tone.)
|
invalidate (Formal; stresses making something no longer acceptable or valid, especially in legal or academic contexts.)
Antonyms
confirm (Means to show that a statement or belief is true, which is the opposite of proving it false.)
Themes
argument
|law
|academia
|communication
|education
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To use facts or good reasons to show that a statement or idea is not true.
To show clearly, by evidence or logical argument, that a statement, theory, or belief is false or incorrect.
C1
FORMAL
2
Usage pattern:
to refute [an accusation/a report/rumors]
The minister firmly refuted the allegations during the press conference.
A miniszter a sajtótájékoztatón határozottan cáfolta a vádakat.
The company issued a statement refuting media reports of an upcoming merger.
A vállalat közleményt adott ki, amelyben cáfolta a közelgő összeolvadásról szóló sajtóhíreket.
Her lawyer quickly refuted the accusation, calling it completely unfounded.
The actor’s spokesperson refuted rumors that he was leaving the show.
Officials refuted early reports that there had been an explosion at the plant.
Learner examples
The president refuted the story on television.
Az elnök a televízióban cáfolta a hírt.
She refuted the rumor about her job.
Cáfolta a munkájával kapcsolatos pletykát.
The company refuted the report and said it was wrong.
His lawyer refuted the accusation in court.
Common mistake:
Some style guides say "refute" should only mean "to prove false", not just "to deny". However, in modern news and everyday formal writing, many native speakers use "refute" to mean simply "deny". Learners should be aware of this and may choose "deny" in neutral contexts to avoid criticism from strict teachers or editors.
Meaning
formally deny a claim
Collocations
refute allegations
|refute accusations
|refute rumors
|refute media reports
|refute speculation
Synonyms
deny (Most common everyday word; focuses on saying something is not true and does not imply careful argument.)
|
reject (Stresses refusing to accept a claim or story; slightly broader and less focused on truth vs. falsehood.)
Antonyms
admit (Means to agree that something (often negative) is true, which is the opposite of refuting or denying it.)
Themes
media
|politics
|law
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To say strongly, often in public, that a claim or story about you is not true.
To state or declare that an accusation, claim, or report is not true, especially in a firm or official way, without necessarily providing detailed proof.
Grammar
Dictionary form
refute
IPA
GB/ɹɪfjˈut/
US/ɹɪfjˈut/
Syllables & stress
re - fute (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (fute)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: refute
- 3rd Person Singular: refutes
- Present Participle: refuting
- Past: refuted
Word family
Forms
refutes
verb
refuting
verb
refuted
verb
Core family
refutation
noun
refutable
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
irrefutable
adjective
irrefutably
adverb
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.