What does it mean to refute something?

Prepare for the GRE Basic Exam. Enhance your vocabulary with flashcards and challenging multiple-choice questions. Each query comes with hints and explanations. Elevate your lexicon and ace the exam!

To refute something means to prove it to be false or incorrect. This action involves presenting evidence or reasoning that directly contradicts the claims being made. When someone refutes an argument, they are not merely contesting it or posing questions; they are providing substantial evidence that undermines the validity of the argument. This is often seen in debates or academic discussions, where proving the inaccuracy of a point strengthens one's own position.

The other options reflect different types of engagement with arguments. Supporting an argument with evidence means enhancing an argument rather than disproving it. Agreeing with a statement wholeheartedly indicates acceptance rather than contradiction. Questioning an assertion critically involves skepticism and inquiry but does not necessarily equate to proving the assertion false. Thus, "to prove it to be false or incorrect" is the correct understanding of what it means to refute something.

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