adjective
debatable
dih-BAY-tuh-buhl/dɪˈbeɪtəbl/
Open to question or disagreement.
Whether this plan saves us money is still debatable.
Etymology
The underlying verb meant “to fight,” with de- adding force to “beat.” Physical conflict became verbal dispute, so something debatable is open to a contest of arguments.
In context
Children brought to see criminals pillaried learned cruelty, not morality. The pillary didn't just punish individuals. It corrupted entire communities by normalizing sadism. Whether this argument was valid is debatable
More examples
- The benefits of the new rule are debatable.
- That's a debatable point, but I understand your reasoning.
- It's debatable whether the sequel is better than the original.
Forms
debatable · more debatable · most debatable
debate noun — Discussion of a question from opposing viewpoints.
Similar words
- questionable
- Suggests stronger doubt about whether something is correct or acceptable.
- disputable
- Emphasizes that a claim can be challenged with arguments.