Rebut

Rebut is a verb meaning to refute or reject an argument, claim, or accusation by presenting contrary evidence or reasoning. It can also function as a noun denoting the counter-argument or the act of rebutting; in modern usage, the noun form rebuttal is more common in formal settings.

In rhetoric, politics, law, and scientific discourse, to rebut a claim is to challenge it with evidence, data, or logic. A debater or attorney may deliver a rebuttal after an opponent speaks, aiming to undermine the opposing points. In court, rebuttal evidence or testimony is introduced to counter points raised by the other side. Rebutting does not always require disproving every element; it may show partial inaccuracies, insufficient support, or alternative interpretations.

The term originates from Old French and entered English in the early modern period. It is related to older senses referring to rejection or counterargument; the more widely used noun today is rebuttal. In everyday language, rebut is common in its verb sense, while refute or deny may convey a stronger assertion of falsehood, and counter is a broader term.

Effective rebuttals rely on credible evidence and clear reasoning; a weak or unfounded rebuttal can undermine the speaker's credibility just as a weak original claim undermines the argument.