List of English Words With Disputed Usage - R

R

• refute – The traditional meaning of refute is "disprove" or "dispel with reasoned arguments". It is now often used as a synonym for "deny". The latter sense is listed without comment by M-W and AHD4, while CHAMBERS tags it as colloquial. COD11 states that "Traditionalists object to, but it is now widely accepted in standard English." However, RH does not mention this use at all.

• relatively – Literally meaning "compared with", some now use relatively to mean "moderately" or "somewhat." AHD4 does not list this usage at all; M-W has apparently blended the two usages in one.
  • Disputed usage: That man was relatively annoying.
  • Undisputed usage: Though relatively harmless when compared with dimethylmercury, mercury (II) oxide is still quite toxic.