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rebatir means refute — a common term in Academic & Exam Prep. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: January 3, 2026

🧠 Academic & Exam Prep

rebatir

verb • /[re-ba-TEER]/

refute

Example:

Es difícil rebatir esa teoría.

It's hard to refute that theory.

🧠 What does rebatir mean?

The verb 'rebatir' means to refute, contradict, or counter an argument, statement, or idea, usually by presenting opposing evidence or logical reasoning. It implies a formal and structured challenge to a previously established point, common in debates, legal proceedings, and academic discussions.

📚 Extra examples

  • El científico presentó datos para rebatir la teoría anterior.
    The scientist presented data to refute the previous theory.
  • Durante el debate, la candidata rebatió cada punto de su oponente con firmeza.
    During the debate, the candidate firmly refuted each of her opponent's points.
  • La abogada rebatió el testimonio del testigo con nuevas pruebas.
    The lawyer refuted the witness's testimony with new evidence.
  • Es difícil rebatir sus argumentos porque están muy bien fundamentados.
    It is difficult to counter his arguments because they are very well-founded.

💡 Did You Know?

The verb 'rebatir' comes from the Latin 'rebattuere', which is a combination of 're-' (meaning 'back' or 'again') and 'battuere' (meaning 'to beat' or 'to strike'). This etymology gives a powerful image of literally 'beating back' or 'striking down' an argument with counter-arguments.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "rebatir"

Synonyms: refutar, contradecir, impugnar, objetar, desmentir
Opposites: confirmar, aceptar, apoyar, ratificar, corroborar

🔍 See more academic & exam prep words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'refute' in Spanish?
The most direct translation for 'refute' is 'rebatir'. Another very common synonym is 'refutar'. Depending on the context, 'contradecir' (to contradict) can also be used.
How do you pronounce 'rebatir' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is /re-ba-TIR/. The stress falls on the final syllable, 'tir'.
How do you use 'rebatir' in a sentence?
'Rebatir' is a transitive verb, so it is followed by a direct object, which is the argument or statement being refuted. The structure is: Subject + rebatir + object. For example: 'El equipo legal rebatió la acusación'.
What is the English translation of 'rebatir'?
The primary English translation of 'rebatir' is 'to refute'. It can also be translated as 'to rebut', 'to counter', or 'to disprove'.
Does 'rebatir' change for gender or number?
As a verb, 'rebatir' does not change for gender or number. It is conjugated based on the grammatical person (I, you, he/she, etc.) and the tense of the action.
Is 'rebatir' common in everyday Spanish?
'Rebatir' is more common in formal, academic, legal, or journalistic contexts. In casual conversation, speakers are more likely to use simpler phrases like 'no estar de acuerdo' (to disagree) or 'contradecir' (to contradict).
Does 'rebatir' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'rebatir' is a formal verb and does not have any common slang meanings. Its use is consistent with its primary definition of refuting an argument.
Is 'rebatir' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The use and meaning of 'rebatir' are consistent across the Spanish-speaking world. It is understood in the same formal context in both Spain and Latin America.
How do you conjugate 'rebatir' in Spanish?
'Rebatir' is a regular -ir verb. For the present tense, the endings are -o, -es, -e, -imos, -ís, -en (e.g., 'yo rebato', 'tú rebates', 'él rebate'). For the preterite tense, the endings are -í, -iste, -ió, -imos, -isteis, -ieron (e.g., 'yo rebatí', 'tú rebatiste', 'él rebatió').

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