Is 'refel' a current English word?

No, it is an obsolete verb last in common use during the Early Modern English period (c. 1500-1700).

What is the most common modern synonym for 'refel'?

'Refute' is the direct modern equivalent in meaning.

Can I use 'refel' in my IELTS essay?

Absolutely not. Using obsolete vocabulary like this would be marked as highly unnatural and could lower your score.

Why is this word included in some dictionaries?

Dictionaries of record, like the OED, include obsolete words to aid in understanding historical texts and document the history of the language.

Is “refel” formal?

Refel is usually archaic/literary in register.

How do you pronounce “refel”?

Refel: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈfɛl/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈfɛl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

refel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Extremely Rare / Obsolete

UK/rɪˈfɛl/US/rɪˈfɛl/

Archaic/Literary

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “refel” mean?

(Archaic) To refute, disprove, or drive back.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

(Archaic) To refute, disprove, or drive back.

(Obsolete) To repulse, reject, or deny the validity of something; to rebut an argument or claim.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

None. The word is equally obsolete in all modern English varieties.

Connotations

Historical, scholarly.

Frequency

Not used in contemporary speech or writing in either variety.

Grammar

How to Use “refel” in a Sentence

[Subject] refels [Object (argument/charge)]

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

to refel an argumentto refel a claimto refel a charge

medium

sought to refelattempted to refel

weak

could not refeleasily refelled

Examples

Examples of “refel” in a Sentence

verb

British English

The scholar sought to refel the heresy with scripture.
His evidence was sufficient to refel the accusation.

American English

The lawyer aimed to refel the witness's testimony.
They could find no data to refel the theory.

adverb

British English

No adverbial form in use.

American English

No adverbial form in use.

adjective

British English

No adjectival form in use.

American English

No adjectival form in use.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Not applicable.

Academic

Only in historical linguistic studies or analysis of Early Modern English texts.

Everyday

Not used.

Technical

Not used.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “refel”

Strong

invalidate contradict

Neutral

refute rebut disprove

Weak

challenge dispute

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “refel”

confirm substantiate prove validate

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “refel”

Using it in modern contexts; misspelling as 'refell' or 'refelled' (though historical forms vary).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it is an obsolete verb last in common use during the Early Modern English period (c. 1500-1700).
: 'Refute' is the direct modern equivalent in meaning.
: Absolutely not. Using obsolete vocabulary like this would be marked as highly unnatural and could lower your score.
: Dictionaries of record, like the OED, include obsolete words to aid in understanding historical texts and document the history of the language.
: (Archaic) To refute, disprove, or drive back.
: Refel is usually archaic/literary in register.
: Refel: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈfɛl/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈfɛl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“None”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of 'REpel' an argument with 'Facts' – RE-F-EL.

Conceptual Metaphor

ARGUMENT IS WAR (driving back an attack).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

In the 1601 text, the author attempted to the common superstition of the time.

Multiple Choice

In which context might you encounter the word 'refel'?