Arguably

On occasion, I shall post here about words that are often used incorrectly. One such word is the adverb "arguably." This simple word is probably misused more often than not. Once I started noticing this misuse, I have never stopped.

Consider the following sentence:

"Arguably, the new law will be beneficial to all of the citizens."

That "arguably" is misused there! "Arguably" DOES NOT mean "probably"! I see it used like that, and hear it used like that all the time. Arguably means that a point can be argued about. Simple as that.

"The Brady Bunch is arguably the best show to ever appear on television."

Most people would agree that The Brady Bunch is not the greatest show ever. That's why it's just rated 6.7/10 on IMBD. But the sentence is completely true, because "arguably" does not mean that something is true! You get someone that loves it, and someone that hates it, and you can argue about it.

Any point is arguable, though there are some facts that rational people do not argue about.

Here's an alternative term: unarguably. But still, as I just said, irrational people might argue about an seemingly unarguable thing.

I close with a quote. (RJB, if you are reading this you know what this is from.) It's a silly quote, but it explains the correct use of the term.

"[Holly] was arguably the most beautiful one in the whole family. Arguably meaning that she argued about it."