debatably
debatably — adverb
1. in a way that people can reasonably disagree about because the facts or opinions
in a way that people can reasonably disagree about because the facts or opinions are not clear-cut
The decision to close the hospital was debatably the right one, since it saved money but hurt local patients.
sentence adverb: modifies whole clause
Yuki's latest film is debatably her best work, though critics remain sharply divided on that point.
The new policy is debatably fairer than the old one, depending on whom you ask.
- arguably
more common and neutral; 'arguably' often introduces a position the speaker supports, while 'debatably' stresses the presence of disagreement
- controversially
stronger connotation of public dispute; 'controversially' implies the topic causes strong feelings
- undeniably
suggests no room for disagreement at all
- indisputably
even stronger certainty; the opposite of open to doubt
文法句型
debatably + [clause]
[clause], debatably ...
常見錯誤
debatably — adjective
1. not clearly true, correct, or good — causing reasonable doubt about the quality
not clearly true, correct, or good — causing reasonable doubt about the quality or validity of something
The quality of his research is debatable because he used only a very small sample of people.
be + debatable + because-clause showing reason for doubt
It is debatable whether the new medicine works better than the old one, since the test results are mixed.
Omar called the company's safety record debatable after examining the accident reports.
- questionable
slightly stronger doubt about correctness or morality; 'questionable' often carries a negative tone
- doubtful
focuses on the speaker's personal uncertainty rather than general disagreement
- disputable
more formal and narrower in use; implies a formal challenge
文法句型
be + debatable
it is debatable + whether/if + clause
用法筆記
Subject is typically an abstract noun (quality, value, truth, usefulness) or a that-clause. Less common with animate subjects — you would not normally say 'He is debatable'.
常見錯誤
2. able to be reasonably argued from more than one point of view, without a single
able to be reasonably argued from more than one point of view, without a single correct answer
It is debatable whether children under twelve should have their own smartphones.
It is debatable whether… — the standard pattern for stating a two-sided question
Whether the government should spend more on roads or schools is certainly debatable among voters.
The best way to learn a second language is a debatable topic in education circles.
- arguable
essentially interchangeable, but 'arguable' focuses on the existence of supporting arguments rather than disagreement
- open to debate
a phrase rather than a single word; more conversational
- moot
suggests the debate is academic or has no practical effect
- settled
the question has been resolved
- undisputed
everyone agrees; no debate remains
文法句型
be + debatable
it is debatable + whether/if + clause
用法筆記
Distinguish from adj sense 1 (QUESTIONABLE): 'debatable' in the ARGUABLE sense does not imply doubt about truth or quality — it simply acknowledges that honest, informed people can hold different positions. The topic itself is open to discussion.