Questionable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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questionable
[ˈkwɛs.tʃən.ə.bl̩ ]
Definitions
in doubt
Not certain or fixed; open to question.
Synonyms
debatable, doubtful, dubious, uncertain.
Examples of usage
- The decision to close the school was questionable due to lack of evidence.
- Her motives for helping him were questionable at best.
suspected of being wrong or illegal
Doubtful as regards truth or validity.
Synonyms
dodgy, fishy, shady, suspicious.
Examples of usage
- The company's questionable accounting practices have raised concerns among investors.
- The source of the information was highly questionable.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- Questionable decisions are commonly portrayed in movies and television as pivotal moments that lead characters into trouble.
- The phrase 'questionable taste' often appears in discussions about fashion and art, highlighting subjective views on style.
Psychology
- In psychology, the concept of cognitive bias can make people view certain information as questionable, leading to flawed decision-making.
- Humans are naturally inclined to assess situations, making anything perceived as questionable a topic of curiosity and debate.
News & Media
- In journalism, the use of 'questionable sources' emphasizes the importance of verifying information before believing or reporting it.
- Questionable ethics in media can lead to misinformation, emphasizing the need for accountability among journalists.
Philosophy
- Philosophers often explore the nature of belief, questioning what makes something questionable versus accepted truth.
- The Socratic method involves asking probing questions, often revealing elements of a claim that are questionable.
Origin of 'questionable'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'questionable' comes from the Latin word 'quaestionabilis', which means something that can be questioned or doubted.
- It has been used in English since the late 15th century to describe things that provoke doubt or inquiry.
The word 'questionable' originated in the late 16th century from the verb 'question' with the suffix -able. It has been used in English to describe something that is doubtful or open to debate. Over time, 'questionable' has evolved to encompass a range of meanings related to uncertainty and suspicion.
See also: questionability, questionableness, questionably, questioner, questioning, questioningly, questionnaire, unquestionable, unquestionably, unquestioned.