Is 'refute' formal or informal?

What’s the difference between 'refute', 'deny', and 'dispute'?

How do I use 'refute' in an essay?

Is 'refute' common in academic writing?

← Dictionary

refute

/rɪˈfjuːt/

IELTSAcademic

verb

To prove that something is wrong or false with clear evidence.

The data refute the earlier theory.
She provided facts to refute his statement.

Adinary Nuance

Near-neighbors: 'refute' is stronger than 'deny' because it needs evidence. It is more formal than 'dispute' and differs from 'contradict' by emphasizing proof that something is false.

In other languages

Spanish: Refutar
Japanese: 反証する
Korean: 반박하다
Vietnamese: Phủ nhận
Chinese: 反驳

Common phrases

refute a claimrefute the argumentrefute the evidence

Synonyms

disprove counter oppose contradict challenge

Related words

argument claim evidence proof theory

Frequently asked questions

Is 'refute' formal or informal?: Is 'refute' formal or informal?
What’s the difference between 'refute', 'deny', and 'dispute'?: What’s the difference between 'refute', 'deny', and 'dispute'?
How do I use 'refute' in an essay?: How do I use 'refute' in an essay?
Is 'refute' common in academic writing?: Is 'refute' common in academic writing?