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Glite Dictionary
to controvert

to controvert

1 8.3
To say that an idea or claim is not true
  • verb
  • /ˈkɒntrəˌvɜrt/
  • Formal
translation icon : controvertir
  • Historically, the antagonists to the liberal arts have controverted reason, not truth.

In fact, in the history memory distinction, he controverts the normal history memory relationship over time.

Examples

  • Rosina immediately set about trying to controvert that rule for me.

    Academic text (1996)

  • Gaasedal, you seem determined to controvert your own comment while attributing it to somebody else.

    Blog text (19)

  • This hearing is set to controvert the findings... ...of psychiatric examinations... ...in the matter of the People of the State of New York... ...v. Claudia Faith Draper.

    Nuts (1987)

  • Sir Fazl-i-Husain controverted M.A. Jinnah on his suggestion of a Muslim Party, as the former never wanted to label his party as a communal political organization.

    Academic text (2018)

  • The scientist presented evidence to controvert the widely accepted theory in her field.

  • During the debate, he attempted to controvert her claims with logical arguments and data.

  • The lawyer worked hard to controvert the accusations against his client in court.

Synonyms

to oppose
vsto controvert
∞ 2.9

To be against something and try to stop it

specifically argues against the truth of a statement rather than general resistance
to contradict
vsto controvert
174 3.7

To say that something is not true or the opposite of what someone says

does so by arguing against or denying it, not just stating opposites
to refute
vsto controvert
  • Formal
88 6.2

To show that an idea or statement is false using evidence

is about arguing or denying truth rather than proving it with evidence
to rebut
vsto controvert
21 7.0

To say or show that a claim is wrong

focuses on denying or disputing truth without necessarily providing evidence
to disbelieve
vsto controvert
14 4.7

To not accept that something is true

involves arguing against or denying publicly rather than private doubt

Antonyms

to confirm
∞ 1.8

To show that something is true by giving evidence

How Strongly

to debunk
57 5.7
to refute
  • Formal
88 6.2
to controvert
  • Formal
1 8.3
to dispute
158 3.5
challenge
  • Formal
120 3.5
to question
777 3.5

Surface Forms

controvert infinitive
controverted past
controverted past participle
controverting present participle
controverts third person singular

Morphology

controvert = contro + vert

Although etymologically contra-/contro- (against) + -vert (turn) underlies the form, the root 'vert' is not a standalone English word and the segmentation is not productive in modern English, so learners cannot reliably infer the meaning from the parts.

Etymology

Controvert comes from two parts: contra, meaning 'against', and vert, meaning 'turn', the same root you see in reverse and convert. So to controvert something is to 'turn against' it — to argue against or deny it.