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Guest Posted 22 years ago
Grammar

Use of the word "arguably"

I had always thought that "arguably" meant "capable of being argued", or, in other words, open to question. My dictionaries give this same definition. Now, however, I find the word constantly used in speech and writing in the sense of "incapable of being argued","definitely", etc. What is going on here?
  

Top answer

The meaning you posted is ok, but it corresponds to the adjective "arguable", not to the adverb "arguably", and it is one of the two possible meanings the adjective has. The other meaning of "arguable" different from the one you posted is: able to be supported with reasons. In this case, the adverb "arguably" would not mean "open to question".

— Miriam

  • The meaning you posted is ok, but it corresponds to the adjective "arguable", not to the adverb "arguably", and it is one of the two possible meanings the adjective has.
  • The other meaning of "arguable" different from the one you posted is: able to be supported with reasons.
  • In this case, the adverb "arguably" would not mean "open to question".
  • I took the following example from a dictionary.
  • " I hope it helps.
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1 Answers
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The meaning you posted is ok, but it corresponds to the adjective "arguable", not to the adverb "arguably", and it is one of the two possible meanings the adjective has.

The other meaning of "arguable" different from the one you posted is: able to be supported with reasons. In this case, the adverb "arguably" would not mean "open to question".

I took the following e
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