adverb
Common
arguably
AHG-yoo-uhb-lee
Arguably (adverb) means Based on reasonable evidence or argument, though not beyond dispute. Example: “She is arguably the best violinist of her generation.”
adverb
1
Based on reasonable evidence or argument, though not beyond dispute.
"She is arguably the best violinist of her generation."
"This is arguably the most important decision the company has made in years."
"That film is arguably the funniest one the director has ever made."
How to use arguably
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA way of stating an opinion while signalling it can be backed up with reasons, even if not everyone agrees.
Common mistake
Avoid pairing it with statements of pure fact — "arguably" fits opinions and judgments, not settled facts.
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more arguably
- Superlative
- most arguably
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She is _____ the best violinist of her generation.
Etymology
From arguable plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly; arguable itself comes from argue, from Latin arguere.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for arguably
notably
probably
amicably
suitably
reliably
admirably
favorably
miserably
inexorably
reasonably
invariably
remarkably
See all rhymes for arguably →
Frequently asked questions
What does “arguably” mean?
The word “arguably” means based on reasonable evidence or argument, though not beyond dispute. In plain terms, a way of stating an opinion while signalling it can be backed up with reasons, even if not everyone agrees.
How do you pronounce “arguably”?
“Arguably” is pronounced AHG-yoo-uhb-lee (/ˈɑɹɡjuəbli/ in IPA).
How do you use “arguably” in a sentence?
Here is “arguably” used in a sentence: “She is arguably the best violinist of her generation.”
What part of speech is “arguably”?
“Arguably” is an adverb.
Where does the word “arguably” come from?
The word “arguably” comes from Latin. From arguable plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly; arguable itself comes from argue, from Latin arguere.
Is “arguably” a common word?
“Arguably” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between "arguably" and "probably"?
"Arguably" means a claim can be reasonably supported by argument or evidence, though it remains open to dispute. "Probably" expresses likelihood, suggesting something is more likely true than not. Arguably concerns whether a case can be made; probably concerns the odds of something being true.
Where does "arguably" go in a sentence?
"Arguably" often opens a sentence or clause ("Arguably, it is the best option") or sits directly before the word it modifies ("arguably true," "arguably the finest"). It is very frequently placed right before a superlative, as in "arguably the greatest."
What is the difference between "arguably" and "undeniably"?
"Arguably" signals that a claim can be reasonably defended but is still open to dispute. "Undeniably" signals the opposite, that something cannot reasonably be disputed at all. The two words sit at opposite ends of the certainty scale.
Is "arguably" formal or informal?
"Arguably" is fairly neutral but leans toward formal, academic, and journalistic writing, where it is used to hedge a strong claim. It lets a writer assert something while acknowledging that others might reasonably disagree.
