To undermine this claim
Argumentation and critical discussion expression
직역: To dig under the foundation of a specific claim
Use this to professionally point out why someone's statement or theory doesn't actually hold up to scrutiny.
15초 만에
- To weaken an argument by showing its flaws.
- Like removing the foundation of a building.
- Used to challenge statements with evidence or logic.
뜻
This phrase describes the act of making an argument or statement seem less believable or weaker. It is like slowly pulling bricks out from the bottom of a wall until the whole thing starts to wobble.
주요 예문
3 / 6In a business meeting
The new sales data seems to undermine this claim that our market share is growing.
The new sales data seems to undermine this claim that our market share is growing.
A friendly debate about a movie
The fact that the hero had a cell phone the whole time really undermines the claim that he was stranded.
The fact that the hero had a cell phone the whole time really undermines the claim that he was stranded.
Texting a friend about a flaky acquaintance
He said he was sick, but his Instagram story at the beach definitely undermines that claim!
He said he was sick, but his Instagram story at the beach definitely undermines that claim!
문화적 배경
The term 'undermine' has its roots in medieval siege warfare, where sappers would dig tunnels under castle walls to cause them to collapse. In modern English culture, especially in law and academia, it reflects a preference for structural deconstruction of an argument rather than personal attacks. It is a staple of British and American debating traditions.
The Power of 'Evidence'
Always follow this phrase with a 'because' or a piece of evidence. Saying 'I undermine this' without a reason makes you sound like a villain in a movie rather than a smart debater.
Don't confuse with 'Underestimate'
Underestimate means to think something is smaller than it is. Undermine means to weaken it. You can underestimate a person, but you undermine their argument.
15초 만에
- To weaken an argument by showing its flaws.
- Like removing the foundation of a building.
- Used to challenge statements with evidence or logic.
What It Means
Imagine someone builds a tall tower of logic. To undermine this claim means you are digging underneath that tower. You aren't knocking it over with a hammer. Instead, you are making the ground unstable. You are showing that the facts used to build the idea are actually wrong or weak. It is a very clever way to win an argument.
How To Use It
You use this when you find a flaw in someone's logic. It usually follows a statement of fact. For example, if a friend says they are the best cook, you might mention the time they burnt toast. That specific memory serves to undermine their claim. It works best when you have evidence. You can use it in writing or during a serious talk.
When To Use It
This is perfect for professional settings. Use it in a meeting when a data point looks suspicious. It is also great for academic essays. If you are debating where to go for dinner, use it playfully. If your partner says a restaurant is 'always empty,' remind them of the hour-long wait last week. You just undermined their claim with a single sentence.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for simple opinions. If someone says 'I like blue,' you can't really undermine that. It's their feeling! Also, avoid it in very casual slang-heavy chats with teenagers. It might sound a bit too 'university professor' for a fast-food parking lot. If you use it while shouting, it loses its power. This phrase is a surgical tool, not a blunt club.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, direct confrontation can sometimes be seen as rude. Using words like undermine allows for a more intellectual critique. It focuses on the 'claim' rather than the person. It comes from old military engineering. Soldiers would literally dig tunnels (mines) under enemy walls to make them collapse. Now, we just do it with words and logic.
Common Variations
You might hear people say weaken the argument or poke holes in the story. Some might say challenge the assertion. However, undermine is the most elegant choice. It suggests a deep, structural failure in what the other person is saying. It’s the difference between a scratch on a car and a broken engine.
사용 참고사항
This phrase sits at the C2 level because it requires an understanding of nuanced argumentation. It is most effective in academic, legal, and professional registers, but can be used sarcastically in informal settings to point out a glaring contradiction.
The Power of 'Evidence'
Always follow this phrase with a 'because' or a piece of evidence. Saying 'I undermine this' without a reason makes you sound like a villain in a movie rather than a smart debater.
Don't confuse with 'Underestimate'
Underestimate means to think something is smaller than it is. Undermine means to weaken it. You can underestimate a person, but you undermine their argument.
The 'Polite' Attack
In British English, this is a favorite 'polite' way to call someone a liar without using the word 'liar'. It focuses on the logic, which keeps the conversation civil.
예시
6The new sales data seems to undermine this claim that our market share is growing.
The new sales data seems to undermine this claim that our market share is growing.
Using data to disprove a corporate assumption.
The fact that the hero had a cell phone the whole time really undermines the claim that he was stranded.
The fact that the hero had a cell phone the whole time really undermines the claim that he was stranded.
Pointing out a plot hole in a casual way.
He said he was sick, but his Instagram story at the beach definitely undermines that claim!
He said he was sick, but his Instagram story at the beach definitely undermines that claim!
Using 'undermine' to call out a lie via social media evidence.
Your Honor, the defendant's cat being allergic to tuna undermines the claim that he stole the fish!
Your Honor, the defendant's cat being allergic to tuna undermines the claim that he stole the fish!
Using formal language for a silly situation.
Finding those hidden receipts really undermines your claim that you've been honest with me.
Finding those hidden receipts really undermines your claim that you've been honest with me.
Expressing hurt through the lens of broken logic/proof.
Recent archaeological finds serve to undermine this claim regarding the city's age.
Recent archaeological finds serve to undermine this claim regarding the city's age.
Classic use in a research or history context.
셀프 테스트
Choose the best word to complete the sentence regarding a faulty argument.
The witness's previous criminal record might ___ this claim of total innocence.
To 'undermine' means to weaken the credibility of the innocence claim.
Complete the sentence to show how evidence affects a theory.
If we find water on the planet, it will ___ the claim that it is uninhabitable.
Finding water would prove the 'uninhabitable' claim is likely wrong, thus weakening it.
🎉 점수: /2
시각 학습 자료
Formality Spectrum of 'Undermine this claim'
Talking to friends about a lie.
That totally ruins his story.
Discussing a news article.
This evidence pokes holes in the theory.
Writing a report or debating.
To undermine this claim, one must look at the data.
Where to use 'Undermine this claim'
Legal/Court
Cross-examining a witness.
Science
Disproving an old hypothesis.
Office
Questioning a budget proposal.
Relationships
Calling out a contradiction.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문It means to weaken something from the base or foundation. In an argument, it means showing that the facts supporting a statement are not reliable, like in The new evidence undermines his alibi.
It is slightly formal, but very common in serious conversations. You wouldn't use it to talk about a sandwich, but you would use it if a friend makes a big claim that you know isn't true.
Yes, you can undermine someone's authority. This means you are making people respect or obey them less by acting against them.
To disprove means to show something is 100% false. To undermine just means to make it look weaker or less certain. It's a more subtle way of attacking an idea.
Use it to transition between a theory and a counter-argument. For example: However, recent studies tend to undermine this claim by showing different results.
Usually, yes. It implies that something (an argument, a wall, a relationship) is being weakened or damaged. However, in a debate, it is a positive skill for the person doing the undermining!
You can, but it usually refers to their status or power. For example, She tried to undermine her boss by whispering to the staff.
Common synonyms include sabotage, subvert, weaken, or compromise. Undermine is specific to the 'foundation' metaphor.
No, you can undermine a position, an effort, a theory, or even confidence. Claim is just one of the most common things people undermine.
Using it when you simply disagree. You need a reason or a fact that acts as the 'shovel' to undermine the claim. You can't just say I undermine your claim because you don't like it.
관련 표현
Poke holes in an argument
To find the weak points or missing parts in what someone is saying.
Debunk a myth
To prove that a commonly held belief is actually false.
Cast doubt on
To make something seem less certain or less reliable.
Call into question
To express doubts about the validity or truth of something.
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