Rebuttal
/rɪˈbʌtl/
nounB2
Definition
A rebuttal is when someone gives reasons or evidence to disagree with or oppose what another person said. It is used to explain why the other person's point is incorrect or not strong. People often use rebuttals in debates, discussions, or arguments to defend their own ideas.
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See It in Action
A statement that disagrees with or disproves another statement
- •She gave a strong rebuttal to the criticism of her work.
- •The politician prepared a rebuttal to the opponent’s accusations.
- •During the debate, his rebuttal changed many people’s opinions.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "rebuttal" like "answer," but the answer is to show a mistake or problem in what someone else said.
- ✓Picture two people talking, and one says something; the other quickly gives reasons why that idea is not right.
- ✓It's the feeling when you want to explain your side clearly because you think the other person is wrong.
- ✓Sounds like "re-BUT-tle" → imagine two people in a battle of words, where one fights back with facts.
- ✓Think of a courtroom where lawyers give rebuttals to disagree with the other side's story.
- ✓NOT like "agree" (same opinion), a rebuttal is the opposite, showing disagreement.
- ✓NOT like "question" (asking for information), a rebuttal gives information to prove a point wrong.
- ✓NOT like "complaint" (expressing unhappiness), a rebuttal is a logical response to an argument.
Try Other Words
- •Response: a reply to what someone said (Use when you want a general reply, not necessarily disagreeing)
- •Counterargument: an argument against another argument (Use when emphasizing the logical opposition)
- •Refutation: proving something is wrong (Use in formal or academic contexts)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "re-" (again, back) + "but" (from Latin 'buttare' meaning to push or strike) + "-al" (noun suffix)
- •Etymology: From Latin "rebuttare" meaning to push back or repel
- •Historical development: Used in English since the 15th century to mean pushing back an argument or claim
- •Modern usage: Common in debates, discussions, and legal settings to describe a reply that opposes an idea clearly
Reflect & Connect
•How can a good rebuttal change the direction of a conversation or debate?
•When is it better to give a rebuttal, and when is it better to listen or agree?
Fill in the blanks
1.A rebuttal is needed when someone ___ an idea and you want to show why it is wrong.
2.In a debate, a strong rebuttal can ___ the other person's argument.
3.Unlike a simple answer, a rebuttal tries to ___ the points made by someone else.
4.Lawyers often prepare a rebuttal to ___ the claims made by the opposing side.
5.A rebuttal is different from a question because it provides ___, not just asks for information.
6.When someone gives a rebuttal, they usually ___ their own arguments clearly.
7.If you agree with what someone said, you would not give a ___ but rather support it.