debatable
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /dɪbˈeɪtəbəl/
US
- /dəˈbeɪtəbəl/
Description
- open to discussion
- arguable
- not certain
- questionable
Something that's debatable isn't necessarily wrong—it just means reasonable people could disagree about it. Think of a really tough question in class, one where there isn't a clear right or wrong answer. That topic is debatable! It invites different viewpoints and arguments. A friend might say your taste in music is "debatable," meaning they don't share your enthusiasm but can see why you like it. Or the meaning of a historical event can be debatable if historians have different interpretations of what happened.
The word debatable describes something that is open to argument or discussion, and where there isn't a single, clearly accepted answer. It doesn't mean something is false or incorrect; it simply means different perspectives can reasonably be held. Imagine a group of friends trying to decide what movie to watch—the best choice is often debatable because everyone has their own preferences!
The context in which you use "debatable" matters. A scientific claim might be debatable if there's conflicting evidence, while an ethical question is debatable because different people hold different moral values. It's a useful word for acknowledging complexity and avoiding absolute statements.
You might say, "The effectiveness of this new policy is debatable," meaning it's too early to tell if it will work or that experts disagree on its potential impact. Or you could hear, "Whether pineapple belongs on pizza is highly debatable!"—a lighthearted example showing how something can be open to passionate disagreement.
So, when faced with an issue where opinions diverge and arguments can be made on both sides, remember debatable—it's a word that acknowledges the power of perspective and the value of thoughtful discussion.
Examples
- 1
Buying decision
It's debatable whether the cheaper model is really a better deal.
Pattern
it's debatable whether + clause
people could reasonably disagree about it
- 2
Conversational disagreement
"That was the right decision." "That's debatable."
Phrase
That's debatable
I don't fully agree with that statement
- 3
Report claims
The report makes several debatable claims about the benefits of the new law.
- 4
Sports decision
The referee's final decision was highly debatable.
- 5
Legal evidence
In court, even a simple detail can become debatable if the evidence is unclear.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- debatableadjective