# arguably

/ˈɑɹɡjuəbɫi/ (US) · /ˈɑːɡjuːəbli/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/arguably
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

used when you want to say that something is probably true, even if not everyone agrees. It helps you make a strong claim while showing it is your opinion.

For teachers: used to qualify a statement by indicating that, while perhaps not universally accepted, a strong case can be made for its validity.

## Examples

- This is arguably the best pizza in the city.
- The new law is arguably the most significant piece of social legislation passed in the last decade.
- While critics remain divided on the director's later works, his debut film is arguably the most influential piece of cinema to emerge from that specific artistic movement.

## Pitfalls

- Not "It is arguably that he is the best." but "He is arguably the best." — Learners often treat 'arguably' like 'arguable' or 'likely'; it should modify a specific claim or adjective rather than acting as a dummy subject complement.

## Usage notes

- Sentence adverb — typically placed before an adjective or at the beginning of a clause to modify the entire statement.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.