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Glite Dictionary
❌ Proof something is wrong 😕 Expectation not met
disconfirmation

disconfirmation

1 8.0
Evidence that shows a belief or theory is wrong
  • noun
  • /ˌdɪskənfərˈmeɪʃən/
  • Specialized
: desmentido
  • Decision makers processing information for disconfirmation of a previously acquired response require large amounts of contradictory information to justify the change from one response set to another.
  • confirmation and disconfirmation

But he said at some point in this conversation you ask a disconfirmation question.

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Examples

  • In a more fundamental sense, however, the value of the lines of thought pursued above is independent of empirical validation or disconfirmation in these particular cases.

    Academic text (2003)

  • Basically, we interpret these results as disconfirmation of the view that the differences between males and females are invariant over age.

    Academic text (2008)

  • I often presented my insights and interpretations to the informants for confirmation or disconfirmation as I continued to learn from them in the field.

    Academic text (1998)

  • Therefore, x's disconfirmation of y's hypothesis is invalid.

    Blog text (15)

  • As Trail et al. (2000) note, disconfirmations are related to more intense outcomes than confirmations.

    Academic text (2004)

  • But I see no hint of evenhandedness, no trace of acknowledging your own errors or accepting ideas that would open you to disconfirmation of your biases.

    Blog text (10)

  • The scientist's research presented strong disconfirmation for the longstanding theory of gravity that had been widely accepted.

  • Our findings provided clear disconfirmation of the hypothesis that all swans are white, as we observed black swans in the area.

  • The data collected during the experiment served as disconfirmation of the belief that increased study time guarantees better grades.

Synonyms

refutation
vsdisconfirmation
  • Formal
9 6.8

An argument or evidence that proves a claim wrong

focuses on disproving beliefs or hypotheses rather than accusations
repudiation
vsdisconfirmation
  • Formal
4 8.2

Showing that an idea or claim is false by giving proof

focuses on evidence or process proving a theory wrong rather than rejecting it
debunking
vsdisconfirmation
3 5.6

Showing that a belief, story, or idea is not true

focuses on evidence or process proving beliefs or theories incorrect rather than exposing pretensions
falsification
vsdisconfirmation
3 7.7

To show that an idea, belief, or result is wrong

includes either evidence or a process not only the single act of proving
counter-evidence
vsdisconfirmation
1 6.9

Information that goes against a claim

covers both such evidence and the processes that show a theory incorrect
disproof
vsdisconfirmation
1 6.8

A fact or argument that shows an idea is not true

applies to evidence or process proving beliefs or theories incorrect
confutation
vsdisconfirmation
  • Formal
1 9.9

Showing that an idea or statement is wrong by using facts and reasons

emphasizes evidence or process that disproves beliefs or hypotheses
refutal
vsdisconfirmation
1 8.8

An act of showing that an idea or claim is wrong

focuses on evidence or process that proves incorrect rather than mere denial

Antonyms

confirmation
171 2.0

Information that shows something is true

How Convincing

refutation
  • Formal
9 6.8
disconfirmation
  • Specialized
1 8.0
suggestion
57 3.5

Surface Forms

disconfirmation singular
disconfirmations plural

Morphology

disconfirmation = disconfirm (transparent) = dis + confirm + ation

This is a regular noun formation from the verb 'disconfirm' meaning the act or result of disconfirming.

Etymology

Disconfirmation comes from dis- meaning 'not' and confirm meaning 'to show something is true', so it literally means 'not shown true'. A helpful image is a piece of evidence that breaks a theory, so disconfirmation is the proof that a belief or idea is wrong.