Basic Details
Word: Arguably
Part of Speech: Adverb
Meaning: Used when giving an opinion that you can back up with good reasons, even though some people may disagree.
Synonyms: possibly, debatably
How to Spell Arguably
Syllables: ar - gu - a - bly
Tricky part: Argue loses its final e before ably, so there is no e after the u. The ending is bly, not bley.
Watch out for: argueably, arguebly, arguabley
Memory tip: The e of argue argues with ably and walks out, leaving argu + ably.
Usage Examples
Example 1: Arguably, Sachin Tendulkar is the finest batsman India has produced.
Example 2: The last chapter is arguably the best part of the book.
Example 3: Monsoon is arguably the most beautiful season in Kerala.
Fun Fact
Arguably is quite a young word. Dictionaries trace it only to around the late 19th century, long after argue and arguable were in use.
Practise the CREST Way
Spell-o-Spell
Choose the incorrectly spelt word:
a) argueably
b) probably
c) noticeably
d) reasonably
Show answer
a) argueably. Noticeably keeps its e to keep the c soft, but argue drops its e before ably.
Mingle-Mangle
Form a meaningful word from the jumbled letters:
lyabugar
a) regularly
b) arguably
c) arguable
d) burglary
Show answer
b) arguably. Arguable needs an e, and burglary needs a second r, so the letters make arguably.
Word Connection
Choose the synonym of the word: arguably
a) possibly
b) never
c) quietly
d) wrongly
Show answer
a) possibly. Both words soften a claim: it may well be true, but someone could disagree.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. A speaker uses arguably when he or she ____.
a) gives an opinion that can be backed with reasons
b) states a fact nobody disputes
c) tells a joke
d) asks a question
Show answer
a) gives an opinion that can be backed with reasons
2. "Jaipur is arguably the prettiest city in Rajasthan." What does the speaker mean?
a) She has never been to Jaipur.
b) She has measured every city.
c) She believes it, though others may disagree.
d) She knows nobody disagrees.
Show answer
c) She believes it, though others may disagree.
