[Lexicog] arguably

[Ron Moe]

'Arguably' belongs to a set of verbal auxiliaries, affixes, adverbs, and
particles classified as 'epistemic moods'. Epistemic moods have the whole
proposition in their scope and indicate the degree of commitment of the
speaker to the truth or future truth of the proposition. Some examples are:

probably; think so/not be sure; don't think so/doubt it; uncertain;
possible; impossible; can; can't; maybe; let/allow; depend/it depends

The following definitions are taken from Bybee, Joan, Revere Perkins, and
William Pagliuca. 1994. The
evolution of grammar. Chicago and London: University of Chicago Press.

(1) possibility: the speaker is indicating that the situation described in
the proposition is possibly true. Some markers with this meaning also
indicate future time: 'He may arrive late because of the weather; It may
snow again tomorrow; She could have already taken it'.
(2) probability: the speaker is indicating that the situation described in
the proposition is probably true. Some marker with this meaning also
indicate future time. This is sometimes called the "Dubitative" in grammars:
'Paula should be home by now'.
(3) inferred certainty: the speaker infers from evidence that the
proposition is true: 'They must have killed a bear here (I can see blood on
the
snow)'.
(4) certainty: the speaker is emphasizing that the proposition is true.
(5) uncertainty: the speaker is emphasizing that s/he doesn't know that the
proposition is true.
(6) indicative: main clause mood that also appears in questions. Contrasts
with subjunctive, conditional, and imperative.

In the case of 'arguably' the speaker may be confident of the truth of the
proposition, but is acknowledging that other people may not. Hence
argue+able+y 'able to be argued about' or stated in prose, "I think this
statement is true, but I know that you might want to argue with me about
it."

Ron

-----Original Message-----
From: lexicographylist at yahoogroups.com
[mailto:lexicographylist at yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of Wayne Leman
Sent: Thursday, August 25, 2005 1:35 PM
To: lexicographylist at yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Lexicog] arguably


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





Yahoo! Groups Links








------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> 
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/HKE4lB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~-> 

 
Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lexicographylist/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
    lexicographylist-unsubscribe at yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/