Definition

To show that something is wrong or false, often by providing evidence or argument.

Example

The lawyer was able to confute the accusations against her client with strong evidence.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I heard that some scientists are trying to confute the climate change data.

Really? I thought the evidence was pretty solid by now.

Yeah, but they claim there's a lot of uncertainty.

That makes sense, but it seems tough to confute all those studies.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Confute is formed from "con-" (meaning together) and "futere" (meaning to strike or beat). The word describes the act of striking down an argument or belief together with evidence or reasoning, effectively disproving it.

Memory Tip

Think of 'striking down' an argument together — 'con-' means together, and 'futere' means to strike.

Visually Confused Words