arguably

arguably
arguably
is first recorded only in 1890, and did not appear in the original OED; now it seems indispensable. It is used as an ordinary adverb and as a sentence adverb (qualifying a whole statement). Examples:

• Arguably, this is another kind of corruption, but it was in general a very long-range bribery, and it was invariably offered in the guise of friendship —R. M. Sunter, 1986

• Vodafone is arguably one of our most successful companies —Sunday Times, 2004.

Arguably is best used in unverifiable contexts that are open to genuine argument and disagreement. In general use it tends to become weakened into a routine ‘downtoning’ adverb involving little or no argument and hardly more forceful in effect than is ‘possibly’ or ‘perhaps’; as such it is much espoused by those who are unsure of their facts or who may not have the courage of their convictions:

• Meet the man with the surname everyone knows, Giorgio Armani, who arguably adorns more bodies worldwide than any other living designer —Clothes Show, 1991.


Modern English usage. 2014.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • arguably — [är′gyo͞o əblē] adv. as can be supported by argument * * * See arguable. * * * …   Universalium

  • arguably — (adv.) as may be shown by argument, 1890, from ARGUABLE (Cf. arguable) + LY (Cf. ly) (2) …   Etymology dictionary

  • arguably — [är′gyo͞o əblē] adv. as can be supported by argument …   English World dictionary

  • arguably — [[t]ɑ͟ː(r)gjuəbli[/t]] ADV: ADV with cl/group, ADV before v You can use arguably when you are stating your opinion or belief, as a way of giving more authority to it. They are arguably the most important band since The Rolling Stones... Arguably …   English dictionary

  • arguably — adverb Date: 1890 as may be argued or shown by argument < an arguably effective strategy > < arguably the greatest writer of his era > …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • arguably — ar•gu•a•bly [[t]ˈɑr gyu ə bli[/t]] adv. 1) as can be argued 2) cv as can be supported or shown by persuasive argument: That is arguably the best book on the subject[/ex] • Etymology: 1890–95 usage: The adverb arguably means that the assertion is… …   From formal English to slang

  • arguably — adv. Arguably is used with these adjectives: ↑better …   Collocations dictionary

  • arguably — ar|gu|a|bly [ˈa:guəbli US ˈa:r ] adv [sentence adverb] used when giving your opinion to say that there are good reasons why something might be true ▪ Senna was arguably the greatest racing driver of all time …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • arguably — ar|gu|a|bly [ argjuəbli ] adverb * used for stating your opinion or belief, especially when you think other people may disagree: Mo s is arguably the best club in town …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • arguably */ — UK [ˈɑː(r)ɡjuəblɪ] / US [ˈɑrɡjuəblɪ] adverb used for stating your opinion or belief, especially when you think other people may disagree This is arguably the best club in town …   English dictionary

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