motbevisas

Motbevisas is a Swedish verb meaning “to be disproved” or “to be refuted.” It derives from mot- (against) and bevisa (to prove). In usage, motbevisas describes the act of presenting evidence or arguments that contradict a claim, thereby undermining its credibility.

In logic and science, motbevisning plays a central role in critical reasoning and hypothesis testing. A claim is considered stronger when it withstands attempts to motbevisas, while credible counter-evidence can lead to revision or rejection of the claim. The process relies on clear methodology, testability, and the ability to reproduce results; falsifiability is a key aspect of determining whether a claim can be effectively motbevisas.

In legal and journalistic contexts, motbevisa refers to the process of challenging statements or accusations by introducing counter-evidence, expert testimony, or alternative explanations. The burden of proof and the applicable standard (such as beyond reasonable doubt or a preponderance of evidence) influence how much motbevis is required for a claim to be accepted or dismissed.

The term is primarily used in Swedish-language discourse, but the underlying concept—refutation, counter-evidence, or refutability—exists across many languages and disciplines. Related terms include motbevisning (counter-evidence) and motbevisa (to disprove).