06 February 2010

On "refuting"

"I refute (an allegation)"

Can one do that? Surely "refuting" is the result of some judicial process, rather than a personal claim? I may reject or deny or contest an allegation, but some other body has to refute it?

(This post is all my own work. I deliberately consulted no external sources on this definition; that is the point.)
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2 comments:

  1. Anonymous8:07 am

    I think this is a malapropism. They were presumably shooting for repudiate.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Robert Batson8:20 pm

    May I please have your email?
    Robert Batson
    rgbatson@hotmail.com
    I admire your sites. Good to find an intellect at work!

    ReplyDelete

Comments welcome, but I am afraid I have had to turn moderation back on, because of inappropriate use. Even so, I shall process them as soon as I can.

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