To refute something means to prove that it's wrong or false by presenting clear evidence or strong reasoning. When you refute an argument, you show exactly why it doesn't hold up by demonstrating its flaws with facts and logic.

Imagine a classmate claims that the sun revolves around the earth. You could refute this by explaining how scientists proved the earth orbits the sun, pointing to evidence like how planets move across the sky and how seasons work. You've demolished their argument with facts.

Refuting requires more than saying “No, you're wrong!” You need to back up your position. In a debate, when one side refutes the other's points, they methodically dismantle each claim with counterarguments and evidence. A scientist might refute a flawed theory by conducting experiments that show different results.

When you successfully refute something, you've proven it incorrect so thoroughly that it can't stand.

Important note: Refute is often confused with rebut or deny. To deny something means simply to say it isn't true. To rebut means to argue against it. To refute means you've actually proven it wrong.