defeasibility

9.9

The ability of a belief or rule to be shown wrong by new evidence

noun
/dɪˈfiːzəˌbɪlɪti/

Specialized

: defeasibilidad

The defeasibility of scientific theories means they can be changed when new evidence is discovered.

Examples

Understanding the defeasibility of beliefs is important in the study of knowledge and reasoning.
Legal scholars debate the defeasibility of certain rules in contract law.
The defeasibility of the contract was questioned by the lawyers.
In legal terms, defeasibility can lead to the annulment of agreements.
The defeasibility of scientific theories means they can be changed when new evidence is discovered.
Legal scholars debate the defeasibility of certain rules in contract law.
In legal terms, defeasibility can lead to the annulment of agreements.

Antonyms

incontrovertibleness

Formal

9.9

A quality that cannot be questioned or denied

How Defeasible

vulnerability

156 5.1

defeasibility

Specialized

9.9

stability

363 3.1

robustness

Specialized

1 6.3

immunity

Formal

173 4.9

Surface Forms

defeasibility singular

defeasibilities plural

Morphology

defeasibility = defeasible (semi-transparent) = defeas + ible + ity

Regular nominalization of the adjective 'defeasible' using the suffix '-ity', producing the quality/state of being defeasible.

Etymology

Defeasibility comes from the common word defeat (originally 'to beat' or 'to undo') plus the parts -able ('can be') and -ity ('the quality of'). So, defeasibility is the 'quality of' being able to be 'defeated' or made invalid, which is why we speak of a rule, belief, or theory that can change when new evidence appears.