defuse the notion that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defuse the notion that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to diminish or alleviate a particular belief or idea that may be causing concern or misunderstanding. Example: "The spokesperson aimed to defuse the notion that the company was facing financial difficulties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The defense quickly sought to defuse the notion that Mr. Rajaratnam's SpotTail investment was meant to encourage Mr. Schutte's testimony.

The New York Times

But at the same moment, as his critics on the left have pointed out, Mr. Obama has been warding off calls for far more stringent regulations of the banks, hoping to win at least a modicum of business support — and to defuse the notion that he is at war with American-style capitalism.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The charges helped defuse the tension that had blanketed the city.

The Washington Post

Morose and often drunk, Pierce proved unable to defuse the tensions that precipitated the Civil War.

The New Yorker

And it may not defuse the protests that have blocked the TMT project.

Science Magazine

No one yet has been able to defuse the visceral hatred that runs through Scottish soccer.

The New York Times - Sports

The same month, the Hyde Park Herald, which later called the book "a local indie hit," ran a flattering profile that highlighted a theme from "Dreams": how Chicago helped Obama end a long journey of self-discovery, a narrative that helped defuse any notion that Obama was a carpetbagger.

The New Yorker

This should defuse the strain that energizes major earthquakes.

Science Magazine

She was the first reporter to discover the fact that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was waterboarded 183 times in a month -- a fact that sort of gives the lie to the notion that torture was an essential tool in defusing "ticking time bombs".

Huffington Post

She said she tried to defuse the situation and that the student argued with her, too.

The Washington Post

The notion that non-U.S.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defuse the notion that", ensure that you provide clear and logical counter-arguments or evidence to support your attempt to diminish the idea. Context is key to effectively using this phrase.

Common error

Avoid implying that simply stating an opposing view completely eliminates the original notion. "Defusing" suggests a reduction in impact, not necessarily complete eradication. Be mindful of realistically portraying the influence of your counter-argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defuse the notion that" functions as a rhetorical device used to introduce a counterargument or mitigating information. It aims to lessen the impact or credibility of a particular idea or belief, rather than outright dismissing it. As per Ludwig AI's analysis, this phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "defuse the notion that" is a grammatically correct and effective phrase used to introduce arguments or evidence intended to lessen the impact of a particular belief. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for neutral contexts, particularly in news and media. Alternatives include "dispel the belief that" and "counter the idea that". When employing this phrase, ensure that your counter-arguments are well-supported and that you avoid overstating the extent to which you are changing the audience's perception. Remember, "defusing" implies reducing impact rather than complete elimination. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "defuse the notion that" to address misconceptions and promote a more nuanced understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dispel the belief that

Focuses on eliminating the belief, rather than reducing its impact.

counter the idea that

Highlights direct opposition to the idea.

challenge the assumption that

Emphasizes questioning the validity of the assumption.

weaken the perception that

Aims to reduce the strength of how something is seen or understood.

undermine the impression that

Focuses on eroding the existing impression.

invalidate the concept that

Suggests proving the concept to be incorrect or unfounded.

refute the claim that

Presents evidence or arguments against a specific assertion.

debunk the myth that

Targets a widely held but false belief.

discredit the theory that

Aims to damage the credibility of a particular theory.

negate the thought that

Focuses on cancelling or nullifying a particular thought or idea.

FAQs

How can I use "defuse the notion that" in a sentence?

Use "defuse the notion that" to introduce evidence or arguments that diminish a particular belief or perception. For instance, "The company released its financial report to "defuse the notion that" it was facing bankruptcy".

What are some alternatives to "defuse the notion that"?

You can use alternatives like "dispel the belief that", "counter the idea that", or "challenge the assumption that" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "defuse the notion that"?

It is appropriate when you want to address a specific belief or idea that might be causing concern, misunderstanding, or negativity. It suggests a more gentle approach than directly refuting something, focusing on reducing its impact.

What's the difference between "defuse the notion that" and "disprove the notion that"?

"Defuse the notion that" suggests reducing the strength or impact of an idea, while "disprove the notion that" implies definitively proving the idea to be false. The former is a milder approach, suitable when you aim to lessen influence, whereas the latter is used when you have conclusive evidence against the idea.