refutation
/ˌɹɛf.jʊˈteɪ.ʃən/ noun
Forms refutations
- noun An act of refuting or disproving; the disproving of an argument, opinion, testimony, doctrine or theory by argument or countervailing proof; evidence of falseness.
- noun (proscribed) A vocal answer to an attack on one's assertions.
Synonyms
refutal confutation disproof disconfirmation contradiction gainsaying rebuttal[refute counterargument counterassertion counterclaim denial defense defence falsification falsifying
Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French refutation (compare French réfutation, Spanish refutación, Portuguese refutação, Italian refutazione) or its etymon Latin refūtātiō, from refūtō + -ātiō. By surface analysis, refute + -ation. First attested in 1536 (in sense 1).
Webster’s 1913
- noun The act or process of refuting or disproving, or the state of being refuted; proof of falsehood or error; the overthrowing of an argument, opinion, testimony, doctrine, or theory, by argument or countervailing proof.
Etymology [L. refutatio: cf. F. réfutation.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “refutation”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details