disprove

/'dis'pru:v/

Thân thiện

The scientist conducted an experiment to disprove the old hypothesis.

Definition

1. Verb:
   • To show that something is false or incorrect; to refute by providing evidence or argument.
   • To prove a statement, theory, belief, or evidence to be erroneous.

Usage

• The verb disprove is used with a direct object (e.g., a theory, claim, hypothesis, argument, or evidence). It describes the act of demonstrating the falsity of that object.
• It is often used in academic, scientific, legal, and formal debate contexts.
• Common sentence patterns: "to disprove [something]" or "to disprove that [clause]".

Examples

• Verb:
  • The new data disproved the long-held hypothesis about the planet's atmosphere.
  • It is difficult to disprove a claim that is based on personal belief rather than facts.
  • The lawyer aimed to disprove the witness's testimony during cross-examination.
  • A single, well-documented counterexample can disprove a general rule.

Advanced Usage

• "to disprove the existence of": To provide evidence that something does not exist.
  • Science cannot definitively disprove the existence of supernatural beings.
• "to disprove conclusively / definitively": To disprove in a final and convincing manner, leaving no doubt.
  • The experiment disproved conclusively that the chemical reaction was possible at room temperature.

Variants and Related Words

• Disproof (noun): Evidence or an argument that serves to disprove something.
  • He presented a clear disproof of the theorem.
• Unproven (adjective): Not demonstrated by evidence or argument to be true or false. (Note: This is different from "disproven," which means proven false).
• Refute (verb): A close synonym, meaning to prove a statement or theory to be wrong or false.

Synonyms

• Refute: To prove a statement or theory to be wrong or false; to disprove.
• Rebut: To claim or prove that evidence or an accusation is false.
• Contradict: To assert the opposite of a statement made by (someone); to be in conflict with.
• Debunk: To expose the falseness or hollowness of (a myth, idea, or belief).

Antonyms

• Prove: To demonstrate the truth or existence of (something) by evidence or argument.
• Confirm: To establish the truth or correctness of (something previously believed or suspected to be the case).
• Verify: To make sure or demonstrate that (something) is true, accurate, or justified.
• Validate: To check or prove the validity or accuracy of something.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "The burden of proof": The obligation to prove one's assertion. While not containing "disprove," this legal and logical concept is directly related. The party making a claim has the burden of proof; the other party may attempt to disprove it.
  • In a court of law, the prosecution has the burden of proof; the defense tries to disprove their case.
• "To stand disproven": To remain shown as false.
  • Despite numerous attempts to revive it, the theory stands disproven by modern science.

Học thuật

Verb

1. prove to be false
   • The physicist disproved his colleagues' theories

Từ đồng nghĩa

• confute