What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
confute
Example
The scientist was able to confute the previous theory with new data. [confute: verb]
Example
Her argument was confuted by the opposing team's evidence. [confuted: past tense]
dispute
Example
The two scholars disputed the interpretation of the historical text. [dispute: verb]
Example
There is a dispute over who should receive credit for the discovery. [dispute: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dispute is more commonly used than confute in everyday language. Dispute is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while confute is less common and typically used in academic or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between confute and dispute?
Confute is typically associated with a more formal and serious tone, while dispute can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
