disprove a theory
/ˌdɪsˈpruːv ə ˈθɪə.ri/
Meaning
To 'disprove a theory' means to show or prove that a scientific idea, hypothesis, or belief is false or incorrect using evidence, logic, or experimentation. This is a fundamental concept in the scientific method, where theories are tested and updated. The tone is formal and objective.
Examples
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The scientist conducted several experiments to disprove a theory that had been accepted for decades.
The scientist conducted several experiments to disprove a theory that had been accepted for decades.
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It only takes one piece of contradictory evidence to completely disprove a theory.
It only takes one piece of contradictory evidence to completely disprove a theory.
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Her latest research findings could disprove a theory about the origins of the universe.
Her latest research findings could disprove a theory about the origins of the universe.
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They failed to disprove a theory, which actually made the original hypothesis stronger.
They failed to disprove a theory, which actually made the original hypothesis stronger.
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In science, it is often easier to disprove a theory than to prove one absolutely.
In science, it is often easier to disprove a theory than to prove one absolutely.
Common Mistakes
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✗ The new data unproved the theory of the old professor.
✓ The new data disproved the theory of the old professor.
'Unprove' is not a word in English. The correct verb to show a theory is false is 'disprove'.
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✗ They rejected the theory with new experiments.
✓ They disproved the theory with new experiments.
While scientists can 'reject' a theory, 'disprove a theory' is the specific, stronger collocation used when empirical evidence shows it is objectively wrong.
Related Expressions
Practice
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The main objective of the physics lab was to ___ that had stood unchallenged since the 19th century.
💡 To show that an established scientific explanation is false.
Show answer
disprove a theory
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He spent years gathering data to ___ about economic inflation, but his results were inconclusive.
💡 A formal verb-noun collocation meaning to show a scientific idea is false.
Show answer
disprove a theory