Friday, May 27, 2016

word choice - What's the difference between "arguable" and "debatable"?




I have noticed that people use 'debatable' a lot, while 'arguable' is used quite less.
What's the difference and when should one use one or the other?


Answer



According to Merriam-Webster, both these words can be used to refer to something the truth of which is in doubt:



Debatable:




2a : open to dispute : questionable





Arguable:




1 : open to argument, dispute, or question




However, a second meaning for arguable is





that can be plausibly or convincingly argued




That is, arguable can be used to describe a proposition which someone wishes to present as true. Debatable, on the other hand (especially in light of the apparent synonymy of questionable), is often used to describe a proposition which someone wishes to present as false or at least unlikely; see for example Merriam-Webster's sample phrase




the debatable wisdom of going back for another helping from the buffet




which, it seems, would indicate that going back is presented as unwise.



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