Rebuttal
/rɪˈbʌtl/
Definitions
A statement that is made to argue against another statement or claim; a counterargument.
/rɪˈbʌtl/
A statement that refutes another statement.
The defendant's lawyers prepared a strong rebuttal to the prosecution's case.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone says something you disagree with. A rebuttal is your chance to say, 'Hold on, that's not quite right, and here's why!' It's like a comeback to their argument.
👶 For kids: When someone says something that isn't true, a rebuttal is like saying, 'No, that's not right!' and telling them why.
More Examples
The senator offered a detailed rebuttal to the claims made in the documentary.
Her witty rebuttal to the insult earned her the admiration of the crowd.
How It's Used
"The lawyer presented a strong rebuttal to the prosecution's claims."
"Her rebuttal effectively dismantled her opponent's argument."
"The newspaper published a detailed rebuttal to the accusations of bias."
Idioms & expressions
to offer a rebuttal
To provide an argument or statement that opposes another.
"The witness was given the opportunity to offer a rebuttal to the previous testimony."
From Middle English *rebutaille*, from Old French *rebot*, *rebuter* ('to beat back, repel, refute'), from Latin *rebutter* ('to beat back'), from *re-* ('back') + *buter* ('to strike').
The word rebuttal has been used since the late 16th century. It was initially used in legal contexts to describe the act of refuting evidence or arguments presented by the opposing side.
Memory tip
Think of it like a 're-battle' of words, where you fight back with evidence and logic.