falsify
To prove a statement, theory, or hypothesis to be false through evidence or testing
Examples
In a meeting
“The experiment was designed to falsify the hypothesis that price is the primary driver.”
Over coffee
“A single example can falsify the claim that all swans are white.”
Why this word
disprove
falsify means to prove false or alter fraudulently, while disprove only means showing something is false
forge
falsify can mean altering to deceive or proving false, while forge only refers to fraudulent creation
refute
falsify means to demonstrate falseness or tamper with evidence, while refute means to argue against or disprove
Usage tip
Common in scientific reasoning; focus on disproving rather than proving theories
Etymology
Latin: falsus (false) + facere (to make)
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Related words
synthesis
The combining of separate elements to form a coherent whole
syllogism
A logical argument with two premises leading to a conclusion
empiricism
The belief that knowledge comes from observation and experience
paradox
A seemingly contradictory statement that may nonetheless be true
premise
An underlying assumption on which reasoning is based
dogma
A principle or belief accepted without question