widerlegen
to refute
To show with evidence or arguments that a claim, theory, or accusation is false.
EXAMPLE
Die neuen Forschungsergebnisse widerlegen die alte Theorie vollständig.
The new research findings completely refute the old theory.
widerlegen
to refute
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Meanings
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
The prefix 'wider-' means 'against'. The verb is inseparable, meaning the prefix remains firmly attached to the verb in all sentence forms and is not placed at the end of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Der Anwalt widerlegte die Aussage des Zeugen.
The lawyer refuted the witness's statement.
Typical objects
You always refute something abstract that was previously claimed. Typical accusative objects are: a theory, a claim, a rumor, an argument, or an accusation.
EXAMPLE
Mit neuen Daten konnte der Wissenschaftler die alte Theorie widerlegen.
With new data, the scientist was able to refute the old theory.
Register and style
'Widerlegen' (to refute) is a written-language word and is used mainly in formal, scientific, legal, or journalistic contexts. It sounds very precise and educated.
EXAMPLE
In seinem Artikel widerlegt der Autor die gängige Meinung.
In his article, the author refutes the common opinion.
Compare with
widerlegen vs widersprechen
to contradict
Widersprechen initially means simply expressing a different opinion or not agreeing. Widerlegen goes further: evidence or arguments show that a claim is false. Without such proof, you widersprechen; with convincing proof, you can widerlegen the claim.
widerlegen
Mia widerlegt die Behauptung der Kollegin mit den aufgezeichneten Messwerten.
Mia refutes her colleague’s claim with the recorded measurements.
widersprechen
Mia widerspricht der Kollegin, hält ihre Behauptung aber nur für unplausibel.
Mia contradicts her colleague, but only considers her claim implausible.
In real life
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