To refute means to refute an argument.
Rebut is a verb that refers to objecting, refuting or nullifying an argument . The concept can also be used to mention the action of counteracting or neutralizing a tendency, an attack, an influence, etc.
For example: “I am going to refute each of the accusations against me,” “The official will hold a press conference with the intention of refuting the complaint,” “No matter how hard you try, you will not be able to refute my position.”
When refuting an argument, what is done is to contrast it with another and demonstrate that the second has greater validity or strength . It could be said that a “dialogue” is established between the arguments: one postulates one thing and the other, the opposite. Thus, the second is used to refute what the first said.
Etymology of the term refute
Before moving forward with the meaning of the term refute, it is important to know its etymological origin. We can establish that it derives from Latin, since it has been formed from the sum of two elements of said language:
- The prefix re- , which is used to indicate repetition.
- The verb battuere , which can be translated as “hit” .
The concept in politics
Within the political sphere is where the verb refute is most frequently used and it is used to indicate that the leaders of the different parties, especially in parliamentary sessions, enter into debates where some present their arguments in favor of certain issues and others try to dismantle them with different proposals and data.
Experts in public speaking and rhetoric consider that there are various techniques to refute another person's statement. Thus, specifically, they establish that actions such as attacking the premises of the other, “hitting” directly at their conclusion, attacking their entire exposition point by point, granting them the concession of some specific aspect and then influencing their points are useful and effective alternatives. weak…
The idea of rebutting is often used in the field of politics.
Examples of refute
Suppose a politician claims that the economic situation of a country “has gotten worse” in the last two years. The president of said nation , with the intention of refuting it, decides to present statistics that show that, in said period, the unemployment rate was reduced and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) also increased. This means that the scenario that was suggested about a worsening of the economy is refuted by the president.
Something similar happens if a coach accuses a footballer of being in poor physical shape. The athlete, to refute this accusation, can show the results of clinical studies that demonstrate his true physical condition.
Of course, when someone attempts to refute an argument with new expressions, their own position may, in turn, be refuted when the other individual responds.
Within the discipline of fencing , finally, rebutting refers to deflecting the opponent's sword, making him lower the point in order to also avoid the relevant injury.