Questionably - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in a doubtful or uncertain manner

If you do something questionably, you do it in a way that is open to doubt or uncertainty.

Synonyms

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
questionably	Use 'questionably' when describing a situation or action that might be dubious or of doubtful quality. It implies that there is reason to question the legitimacy or appropriateness of something. His qualifications for the job were questionably obtained The meal was questionably priced for its quality
doubtfully	Use 'doubtfully' when describing a person or their attitude as unsure or skeptical. It suggests hesitation or disbelief. She looked at him doubtfully when he claimed he could fix the problem He doubtfully agreed to the proposal, uncertain of its feasibility
uncertainly	Use 'uncertainly' when describing actions or decisions made with lack of confidence or certainty. It suggests an element of hesitation and insecurity. She spoke uncertainly, unsure of her own reasoning They walked uncertainly through the unfamiliar city streets
suspectly	Use 'suspectly' when referring to something or someone that seems suspicious or untrustworthy. This word often carries a negative connotation. The documents were suspectly altered before submission He moved suspectly through the crowd, avoiding eye contact

Examples of usage

He acted questionably by accepting the bribe.
The company's decision was questionably ethical.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

In popular media, characters often act in a questionably moral way, leading to dramatic tension.
The term frequently appears in debates and discussions, especially in social media, where opinions can be sharply divided.
It’s often used in reviews of movies or books when the moral lesson or plot twist has unclear implications.

Science

In scientific research, methods or conclusions can be described as questionably valid if they lack sufficient evidence.
Questionable findings in studies lead to further investigations to validate or debunk initial claims.
Peer reviews are critical in science to identify questionably conducted experiments before publication.

Psychology

Cognitive biases can lead individuals to perceive something as questionably true, affecting their judgment and decision-making.
In therapy, clients might explore questionably formed beliefs to uncover underlying issues and improve mental health.
The phenomenon of 'social proof' can make activities seem less questionably acceptable if many people are doing them.

Literature

In literary analysis, themes and characters can often be described as questionably reliable, inviting diverse interpretations.
Authors may craft characters with morally ambiguous traits, prompting readers to grapple with questionably ethical choices.
In poetry, the ambiguous nature of some lines can leave readers with a questionably understood message.

Origin of 'questionably'

Main points about word origin

Derived from the root word 'question,' which comes from the Latin word 'quaestio,' meaning inquiry or investigation.
The suffix 'ably' indicates a manner, leading to 'questionably' meaning capable of having questions raised about it.
The word has evolved in use since the late 19th century, often applied in contexts where doubt or skepticism is present.

The word 'questionably' is derived from the word 'questionable', which dates back to the mid-17th century. It comes from the verb 'question', meaning 'to express doubt or uncertainty'. Over time, the adverb 'questionably' emerged to describe actions or behaviors that may be open to doubt or uncertainty.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,312 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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34309 protraction
34310 corsair
34311 capsizing
34312 questionably
34313 metempsychosis
34314 deforested
34315 fixate
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Questionably Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations