difficult to dispel

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to dispel" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a belief, rumor, or notion that is hard to eliminate or refute. Example: "Despite the evidence presented, the myth surrounding the event remained difficult to dispel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Why it is so difficult to dispel rumors and debunk myths?

Harvard Business Review

But the sense of ubiquitous menace inevitably induced by Friday's killings will be difficult to dispel.

The Guardian

Here's where the story gets interesting, and urban legends have become difficult to dispel.

The New Yorker

Reputations in Hollywood are insidious and difficult to dispel, though over time they may be proven unwarranted or hasty.

The Guardian - Film

William Stukeley, an eighteenth-century pioneer of British archeology, erroneously believed that Druids built Stonehenge, and scientists have since found it difficult to dispel the notion.

The New Yorker

Until the human race grows up to the point of allowing people to manage their own lives according to their own beliefs, it will be difficult to dispel suspicion of others.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

But the myths surrounding disease are hard to dispel, our impulse to hide in metaphor difficult to shake.

The New York Times - Magazine

But it is hard to dispel a sense of collusion.

The Economist

The idea that one's life can be made perfect with a large infusion of cash is a difficult one to dispel.

Los Angeles Times

But these are prosaic realities compared to the gnawing and difficult-to-dispel thought that invisible "radiation" is wreaking havoc with our cells, our reproduction, and our psyches.

Forbes

A frightening, terrible thing about shame is how difficult it is to dispel.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "difficult to dispel" when you want to emphasize the resilience or persistence of a belief, rumor, or notion against attempts to disprove it.

Common error

Avoid overusing "difficult to dispel" when a simpler term like "hard to understand" or "challenging to explain" would be more appropriate. The phrase specifically indicates resistance to being disproven, not general complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to dispel" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It typically describes a belief, idea, or rumor that is resistant to being disproven or eliminated. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is usable in written English, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

8%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficult to dispel" is a phrase used to describe the resilience of a belief or idea against attempts to disprove it. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts, conveying a sense of persistence. While grammatically sound and frequently used, writers should ensure it accurately reflects the resistance to disproof, rather than general complexity. Alternatives such as "challenging to refute" or "hard to shake off" may provide nuanced options depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not simple to dispel

Emphasizes a lack of easiness or simpleness when it comes to dismissing a belief or idea.

difficult to debunk

Specifically refers to the challenge of proving a myth or misconception as false.

hard to shake off

Focuses on the effort required to get rid of something, like a feeling or an idea.

challenging to refute

Emphasizes the difficulty in proving something wrong or false.

tough to eradicate

Highlights the strength and persistence needed to completely remove something.

hard to overcome

Highlights the significant effort and strength needed to surpass or defeat something.

not easily dismissed

Suggests that something warrants serious consideration and cannot be lightly ignored.

resistant to elimination

Indicates a strong opposition to being removed or done away with.

firmly entrenched

Implies something is deeply rooted and therefore difficult to remove or change.

tenacious in its hold

Suggests something that clings tightly and is difficult to release.

FAQs

What does "difficult to dispel" mean?

The phrase "difficult to dispel" means that something, such as a belief, idea, or rumor, is hard to eliminate or prove wrong. It suggests that the subject is persistent or deeply ingrained.

How can I use "difficult to dispel" in a sentence?

You can use "difficult to dispel" to describe things like myths, rumors, or misconceptions. For example: "The myth surrounding the event remained "difficult to dispel", despite the evidence presented."

What are some alternatives to "difficult to dispel"?

Alternatives include phrases like "hard to shake off", "challenging to refute", or "not easily dismissed", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "difficult to dispel" or "hard to dispel"?

Both "difficult to dispel" and "hard to dispel" are grammatically correct. "Difficult" suggests a more significant challenge compared to "hard", but the choice depends on the desired emphasis.