tilbagevise

Tilbagevise is a Danish verb meaning to refute or rebuff an argument, claim, or accusation by presenting counter-evidence or reasoning. It is commonly used in political, legal, and journalistic contexts, as well as in everyday debate, to describe the act of opposing a statement rather than merely denying it superficially.

Etymology and meaning: the word is formed from tilbage- (back, again) and vise (to show or demonstrate). The combined sense is to show something back to its opposition, i.e., to demonstrate that an assertion is incorrect or untenable. In practice, tilbagevise often implies a reasoned counter-argument rather than a simple denial.

Usage and scope: tilbagevise is typically used with a direct object such as a påstand (claim), kritik (criticism), or an accusation. It signals not only disagreement but also the intention to undermine the argument with evidence, logic, or counterexamples. In written and spoken Danish, the verb appears in various tenses; a related noun is tilbagevisning, meaning a rebuttal or refutation.

Examples: "Partiet tilbageviste kritikken med nye data." "Advokaten tilbageviste påstanden som misforstået." These usages illustrate formal or semi-formal discourse where counter-arguments are presented to challenge opposing positions.

See also: refutation, rebuttal, afvise, tilbagevisning.