[Lexicog] arguably

[Wayne Leman]

Could someone on the list help me understand the word "arguably"? I hear it 
used a lot. I think I understand what it means. I've read its dictionary 
meanings. I didn't grow up hearing or using it. Is there some "hook" to 
remember what it means. My brain has gotten it backwards, I think, where it 
seems to me that "unarguably" would make more sense instead of saying 
"arguably." If we have to argue over something it's not clear to everyone.

"Chomsky is arguably the greatest linguist who has every lived."

Well, of course, we can quibble over the claim of that sentence, but how can 
I get it into my head what "arguably" means there?

Thanks,
Wayne Leman 



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