Memory connection
Picture “reef flute”
A supposed ancient reef flute shows modern printer marks under a lamp. The physical evidence proves the grand claim false.
The sound cue helps you reach the scene; the action in the scene carries you from the scene to the definition.
Use it accurately
Meaning in context
The newly discovered records refute the claim that the building was empty that night.
A larger clinical trial failed to refute the original result.
Refute requires successful disproof, not merely disagreement or denial. Evidence refutes a claim; a speaker rebuts an argument by answering it.
Common patterns
- refute a claim
- attempt to refute
- evidence refutes
Quick check
Can you retrieve the meaning?
What must you do to refute a theory?
Choose an answer, then explain it in your own words.