Usage Note
Réfuter is a formal verb used in argumentation, legal, and academic contexts. It implies producing evidence or reasoning that defeats a claim, not merely contradicting it. The related noun réfutation is used for a formal counter-argument. Learners often confuse it with contredire ('to contradict'), which requires no proof.
Examples
"Il a réfuté chaque argument avec calme."
Natural Translation
He refuted every argument calmly.
Related Words
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