debunk
Verb
Hard difficulty
What does “debunk” mean?
verb.to expose the falseness or hollowness of (a myth, idea, or belief).
SAT Usage
this term often appears in passages discussing scientific claims, social issues, or historical narratives. It emphasizes the critical examination of widely held beliefs or misconceptions, suggesting a thorough and often skeptical analysis rather than just a simple correction, distinguishing it from terms like "refute," which implies outright contradiction without necessarily addressing underlying issues.
Common Confusions
Debunk implies exposing the falseness of a belief through critical analysis, while refute usually suggests outright contradiction without necessarily addressing the underlying misconceptions.
Example Sentences
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The scientist debunked the popular myth with clear data.
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Researchers debunk the claim with careful experiments.