verb
disprove
dis-PROOV/ˌdɪsˈpruːv/
Show that something is false.
The man uses counters to disprove the incorrect arithmetic result.
Etymology
Proving involved testing or demonstrating a claim; the prefix turns that demonstration against it. To disprove is therefore to establish that something is false, rather than merely leave it unproved.
In context
disprove her partner's evaluation of her and restore her self-esteem and self-confidence by proving mainly to herself how other men desire her
More examples
- The security footage disproves his claim that he was home.
- Our experiment disproved the theory.
- Disproving a rumor can take more than a simple denial.
Forms
disprove · disproves · disproved · disproving
disproof noun — Evidence that shows a claim is false.
Similar words
- refute
- Usually targets an argument and answers it with evidence.
- debunk
- Emphasizes exposing the falseness of a widely accepted belief.