To refute this claim
Argumentation and critical discussion expression
Use this phrase when you have solid evidence to prove someone's statement is factually incorrect.
En 15 secondes
- Prove a statement is false using facts.
- Higher level than simply 'disagreeing'.
- Essential for academic and professional writing.
Signification
This phrase means to prove that a specific statement or theory is false using evidence and logic. It is like being a lawyer and showing the jury why the other side's story doesn't make sense.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6In a corporate board meeting
We have gathered sales data from Q4 to refute this claim of declining interest.
We have gathered sales data from Q4 to refute this claim of declining interest.
Writing a formal essay
The author provides three primary reasons to refute this claim.
The author provides three primary reasons to refute this claim.
A humorous debate with a friend
I have a photo of you eating the last cookie to refute this claim of innocence!
I have a photo of you eating the last cookie to refute this claim of innocence!
Contexte culturel
Rooted in the Socratic method and Western legal traditions, this phrase highlights a cultural preference for objective truth over social harmony. It gained significant traction during the Enlightenment when scientific reasoning began to challenge traditional beliefs. Today, it is a staple of 'fact-checking' culture in global media.
Evidence is Key
Only use `refute` if you actually have proof. If you just don't like the idea, use `disagree` instead.
Refute vs. Refuse
Don't mix these up! `Refuse` means saying no to an offer (like coffee). `Refute` means proving a statement is wrong.
En 15 secondes
- Prove a statement is false using facts.
- Higher level than simply 'disagreeing'.
- Essential for academic and professional writing.
What It Means
To refute this claim is to knock down an argument. You aren't just saying "no." You are showing why the answer is "no." It involves using facts or better logic. Think of it as debunking a myth. It is the verbal equivalent of showing a receipt to prove someone lied about a price.
How To Use It
You use this when you have proof. It usually follows a statement you disagree with. You might say, "The data is here to refute this claim." It sounds smart and decisive. It is a heavy-duty phrase for serious discussions. Use it when you want to sound like an expert.
When To Use It
Use it in business meetings or academic papers. It is perfect for debates or courtrooms. You can use it when defending your reputation. Use it when someone says something factually wrong. It works well in emails to clarify a misunderstanding. It's the ultimate "actually" for grown-ups.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for opinions like "pizza is bad." You can't refute a taste preference. Avoid it in casual chats with your partner. Saying "I refute this claim that I forgot the milk" sounds robotic. It might make you sound like you're starting a fight. Keep it away from lighthearted jokes.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the world of formal logic and law. Western culture prizes "evidence-based" arguments. In English-speaking universities, students are taught to refute ideas constantly. It reflects a culture that values debate over just agreeing. It became popular in the 18th century during the Enlightenment.
Common Variations
You might hear rebut the argument or debunk the myth. Some people say disprove the theory. In modern slang, people say receipts to mean the evidence used to refute something. To refute this claim remains the most professional version. It is the gold standard for high-level English.
Notes d'usage
This is a C2-level academic and professional expression. It requires a formal register and should be backed by logical evidence to be used correctly.
Evidence is Key
Only use `refute` if you actually have proof. If you just don't like the idea, use `disagree` instead.
Refute vs. Refuse
Don't mix these up! `Refuse` means saying no to an offer (like coffee). `Refute` means proving a statement is wrong.
The 'Receipts' Connection
In modern pop culture, people say 'I have receipts' to mean they are about to `refute a claim`. It's the slang version of this C2 expression!
Exemples
6We have gathered sales data from Q4 to refute this claim of declining interest.
We have gathered sales data from Q4 to refute this claim of declining interest.
Using data as the tool for refutation.
The author provides three primary reasons to refute this claim.
The author provides three primary reasons to refute this claim.
Standard academic structure.
I have a photo of you eating the last cookie to refute this claim of innocence!
I have a photo of you eating the last cookie to refute this claim of innocence!
Using a formal phrase for a silly situation.
It is quite easy to refute this claim if you look at the historical records.
It is quite easy to refute this claim if you look at the historical records.
Challenging an opponent's accuracy.
I have bank statements that will refute this claim once and for all.
I have bank statements that will refute this claim once and for all.
Used to clear one's name.
Check the attached PDF; it should refute this claim about the deadline.
Check the attached PDF; it should refute this claim about the deadline.
Professional but concise for digital communication.
Teste-toi
Choose the best word to complete the formal argument.
The scientist presented new evidence to ___ this claim.
While 'reject' means to say no, 'refute' specifically means to prove it wrong with evidence.
Complete the sentence to show you have proof.
I have the receipts to ___ this claim that I didn't pay.
Having 'receipts' (proof) allows you to 'refute' the statement.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Scale of Disagreement
Saying someone is wrong.
That's not true.
Expressing a different view.
I disagree with that.
Proving an error with logic.
To refute this claim...
Where to use 'Refute this Claim'
Legal Proceedings
Refuting a witness statement.
Academic Writing
Refuting an old scientific theory.
Business Strategy
Refuting a competitor's marketing.
Serious Journalism
Refuting fake news stories.
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsIt means to prove that a statement is false by using evidence or logical reasoning. For example, The DNA evidence served to refute the claim that he was at the scene.
No, it's much stronger. Disagreeing is just an opinion, but refuting requires you to show why the other person is factually wrong.
Only if you are being playfully dramatic or having a very serious debate. In a casual setting, it might sound a bit too stiff or 'academic'.
Yes, especially in reports or high-stakes meetings. You might say, We have the data to refute the claim that our product is unsafe.
They are very similar. Refute usually implies you have successfully proved it wrong, while rebut just means you are arguing against it.
You can start a sentence with it, like: To refute this claim, we must look at the statistics.
Not really. You can't refute the claim that someone feels sad. It is used for factual statements or theories.
It is used in all major English dialects. It is a standard term in global academic and legal English.
You could use disprove, negate, or confute. However, refute is the most common in professional settings.
No, you can refute a theory, an argument, an allegation, or a hypothesis.
It isn't rude, but it is very direct. It signals that you are about to prove someone is wrong, which can be tense.
Many people use it that way, but purists say refute requires proof, while deny is just a statement of 'no'.
Expressions liées
Debunk a myth
To expose the falseness of a common belief.
Counter-argument
An argument put forward to oppose another argument.
Provide evidence to the contrary
To show proof that the opposite of a statement is true.
Shoot down an idea
An informal way to quickly reject or disprove a suggestion.
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