What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
confuting
Example
The scientist spent years confuting the theory that the earth was flat. [confuting: verb]
Example
Her confuting of his argument left him speechless. [confuting: noun]
disproving
Example
The experiment disproved the hypothesis that plants grow better in darkness. [disproved: past tense]
Example
His disproving of her theory caused her to rethink her approach. [disproving: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disproving is more commonly used than confuting in everyday language, especially in scientific or empirical contexts. Confuting may be considered more formal or academic.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between confuting and disproving?
Both confuting and disproving can be used in formal or academic settings. However, confuting may be perceived as more confrontational or argumentative, while disproving is more neutral and objective.
