réfutons

Réfutons is the first-person plural present tense form of the French verb réfuter, which means to refute or to debunk. As a linguistic form, réfutons is used to indicate that a group will or should counter an argument, or to invite others to join in the act of refuting. In writing and speech, it can introduce a direct assertion of counterarguments: « Réfutons les arguments avancés par nos interlocuteurs ». It may also function as a collective imperative: « Réfutons ! ».

Etymology: réfuter derives from Latin refutare, meaning to drive back or reject. It entered French through Latin and Old French, with the sense of opposing or negating a proposition. The noun form is réfutation, and the past participle is réfuté. The prefix re- signals opposition or reversal in relation to a proposition.

Usage notes: réfutons is common in academic debate, journalism, and political discourse, where the aim is to challenge claims with evidence. It pairs with nouns such as arguments, hypothèses, or accusations. Synonyms include contester, nier, démonter; however réfuter emphasizes logical or evidential disproval rather than mere denial. Examples: « Nous réfutons les résultats faute de contrôles expérimentaux. » « Réfutons les idées reçues en présentant des données empiriques. »