What does refutes mean?

"Refutes" means to prove something false or incorrect. It's a stronger word than "disagrees" or "contradicts" because it implies a direct and successful challenge to the validity of an argument or claim.

Here are some ways "refutes" can be used:

* "The new evidence refutes the previous theory." This means the new evidence proves the old theory wrong.

* "The lawyer refutes the witness's testimony." This means the lawyer presents evidence or arguments that prove the witness's testimony is false.

* "The article refutes the claim that vaccines cause autism." This means the article provides evidence that disproves the claim that vaccines cause autism.

In essence, "refutes" means to prove something is not true.