The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

rebut

IPA:

Dictionary definition of rebut

To contradict or disprove an argument or statement, typically by providing evidence or reasoning to the contrary.
"He attempted to rebut the accusations made against him in court."

Detailed meaning of rebut

It can also refer to the act of presenting counterarguments or objections in a debate or discussion. The term is often used in the context of legal proceedings, debates, and discussions. For example, "he rebutted the prosecution's argument by presenting new evidence" or "she rebutted the opponent's claim by providing statistical data" . The word "rebut" comes from the Latin word "re-" meaning "again" and "but" meaning "to strike" or "to hit", and it implies a forceful counterargument or a counter-attack on an idea or statement. It is important to note that rebutting an argument is an important part of critical thinking and can help to identify flaws and weaknesses in reasoning, but it can also be used as a way to win an argument without considering the merit of the opposing side's argument.

Example sentences containing rebut

1. He presented his argument and waited for his opponent to rebut it.
2. It's important to listen to different perspectives and be prepared to rebut them.
3. The lawyer skillfully rebutted the prosecution's claims in court.
4. The scientist conducted further experiments to rebut the existing theories.
5. The debater confidently stood up to rebut the opposing team's claims.
6. She meticulously gathered evidence to rebut the false accusations against her.

History and etymology of rebut

The verb 'rebut' derives its etymology from the Old French word 'rebouter,' which originated in the 13th century. The Old French term 'rebouter' can be broken down into two components: 're-' meaning 'back' or 'against,' and 'bouter' meaning 'to thrust' or 'to push.' This root conveys the idea of pushing something back or countering it forcefully. Over time, as the word evolved and transitioned into Middle English, it adopted the meaning we associate with it today, which is to contradict or disprove an argument or statement, typically by providing evidence or reasoning to the contrary. Thus, the etymology of 'rebut' underscores its inherent purpose of pushing back against an assertion or claim with persuasive counterarguments.

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Further usage examples of rebut

1. The writer included a section in the article to rebut common misconceptions.
2. The panelist had the opportunity to rebut the criticisms during the Q&A session.
3. The politician quickly rebutted the opposition's claims during the debate.
4. He prepared a well-researched response to rebut the criticism of his work.
5. The company released a statement to rebut the negative press surrounding its product.
6. The speaker anticipated the objections and prepared to rebut them in his speech.
7. The professor encouraged students to respectfully challenge and rebut each other's ideas.
8. The defendant's attorney took the stand to rebut the witness's testimony.
9. The editorial was written to rebut the misleading information circulating in the media.
10. The scientific community eagerly awaits the publication of studies that can rebut the controversial findings.
11. The authors of the study published a paper to rebut the criticism of their research methods.
12. The CEO held a press conference to rebut the allegations of corruption.
13. The expert witness was called to the stand to rebut the prosecution's claims.
14. The researcher conducted additional experiments to rebut the skeptics' doubts.