confute
confute Lexical Profile
confute Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To prove a person, argument, or theory to be wrong or false by means of evidence or reasoning.
"The historian presented newly discovered archival letters to confute the long-standing theory about the treaty."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'confute' (to prove a person or argument wrong) with 'confound' (to confuse, surprise, or mix up). In formal discourse, 'confute' is nearly synonymous with 'refute', though 'confute' carries a slightly stronger emphasis on overwhelmingly silencing an opponent or argument.
• Rhymes for confute
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 16th century from Latin 'confutare', originally meaning 'to check a boiling liquid by pouring in cold water' and figuratively 'to dampen, silence, or refute', formed from 'con-' (intensive prefix) and a root related to 'fundere' (to pour) or 'futare' (to beat).