To prove that a statement, argument, or idea is wrong or false.
“The researcher refutes the claim that video games cause violent behavior.”
“The report refutes earlier studies suggesting the diet has no health benefits.”
In Reading Part 4, one speaker or writer frequently tries to refute the opposing viewpoint using evidence or logic. Spotting 'refute' signals a direct rebuttal, which is useful when a question asks how one side responds to the other.
Synonyms: disprove, rebut, contradict