Langimage
English

refutation

|ref/u/ta/tion|

C1

/ˌrɛfjʊˈteɪʃən/

disproving

Etymology
Etymology Information

'refutation' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'refutatio,' where 're-' meant 'back' and 'futare' meant 'to beat.'

Historical Evolution

'refutatio' transformed into the French word 'réfutation,' and eventually became the modern English word 'refutation' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to beat back an argument,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'proving something to be false.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the act of proving a statement or theory to be wrong or false.

The lawyer's refutation of the evidence was compelling.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39