widerlegen
refute
The German word "widerlegen" is a verb that means "to refute" or "to disprove". It is composed of the prefix "wider" (which implies opposition or against) and the verb "legen" (to place or to lay). Therefore, "widerlegen" suggests placing something against an argument or claim, effectively disproving it.
Similar words in German include "entkräften" (to weaken), "widerstreiten" (to contradict), and "abstreiten" (to deny).
The difference between "widerlegen" and these similar terms lies primarily in their connotations and specific usages:
- "Widerlegen" specifically addresses the act of disproving an argument with evidence.
- "Entkräften" implies weakening an argument without necessarily disproving it.
- "Widerstreiten" and "abstreiten" emphasize contradiction or denial but may not involve substantial counter-evidence as in the case of "widerlegen."
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Examples
Sie muss ihre Theorie widerlegen.verb
She has to refute her theory.
Der Wissenschaftler konnte die Theorie widerlegen.verb
The scientist was able to refute the theory.
Sie konnte seine Argumente widerlegen.verb
She was able to refute his arguments.
Niemand konnte seine Argumente widerlegen.verb
No one could refute his arguments.
Man versucht, diese Behauptung zu widerlegen.verb
One is trying to refute this claim.
Viele Wissenschaftler möchten alte Ergebnisse widerlegen.verb
Many scientists want to refute old results.
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