rebut
rih-BUT
/rɪˈbʌt/
To claim or prove that evidence or an accusation is false; to counter an argument.
Focuses on the act of arguing back or presenting a counter-case, regardless of whether you successfully prove the other side wrong.
The story behind the word. Rebut comes from the Old French reboter, which means 'to push back' or 'to butt back' (as a goat might). It entered English as a legal term meaning to repel or bar a claim.
Word relationships
- refute: Refute implies that you have successfully proven the opponent wrong; rebut simply means you have argued back against them.
- counter: Counter is a broader term that can apply to physical moves or arguments, while rebut is strictly verbal or written.
- concede: Concede means to admit that something is true or valid after first denying or resisting it.
- endorse: Endorse means to declare one's public approval or support of.
Commonly confused with
- butt: Butt means to strike with the head, whereas rebut means to strike back with arguments.
Word family
- rebuttal (noun): An instance of rebutting; a counterargument.
Collocations
- rebut a claim
- rebut evidence
- opportunity to rebut
- rebut allegations
Idioms & expressions
- talk back
- hit back
Example sentences
- "Each debater was given three minutes to rebut the arguments presented by the opposing team." A formal debate tournament.
- "The company issued a detailed press release to rebut the allegations of unsafe working conditions." A public relations crisis.
Memory hook
Rebut is like 're-butt'—you are 'butting' heads back against your opponent's argument. Push back with arguments.
When not to use
Do not use if you are just denying something without offering any counter-arguments or evidence.
Fun facts
- In formal debate structures, the 'rebuttal phase' is highly restricted; debaters are typically forbidden from introducing entirely new lines of argument, only responding to existing ones.
Related words
Explore more words
rebuttal, refute, refutation, counterattack, discredit, dispute
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