rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: -atio
Latin

-atio

an action, process, or result

Forms

  • -atio
  • -ation- — Latin stem used outside the basic noun form.
  • -ation — Borrowed into English through French and Latin.

Origin

Latin -a-, associated with one class of verbs, plus the action-noun suffix -tio.

Note

The same formation can name either doing something or what the action produces.

328 / 398
A Black scientist shows an intact counterexample specimen that disproves a faulty broken model.
noun

refutation

ref-yoo-TAY-shun/ˌrefjuˈteɪʃn/

An argument or act showing that a claim is false.

Etymology
refutLatinto drive back; disprove
+ationLatinan action, process, or result

Latin refutare meant both “drive back” and “disprove.” Refutation names the overthrowing of a claim by counterargument or proof, and the argument or evidence that accomplishes it.

Full entry

Related word entries