Where does “arguably” come from?
Arguably derives from English argue combined with the Old English suffix -līċ, from Old French -able, from Latin arguere meaning "to make clear or prove," ultimately from Proto-Indo-European roots.
arguably (English): As can be supported or proven by sound logical...
Definitions
- As can be supported or proven by sound logical...
Ancestry of “arguably”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | -ly | Used to form adjectives from nouns, the... |
| 2 | English | grisly | Horrifyingly repellent; gruesome, terrifying;... |
| 3 | Middle English | grisely | — |
| 4 | Old English | grisliċ | grisly, horrible; dreadful, horrid |
| 5 | Old English | -līċ | suffix forming {{glossary|adjective}}s meaning... |
| 6 | Proto-Germanic | *-līk | — |