Definition

Something that can be argued about or is open to disagreement.

Example

The decision to build the new park is debatable among the community members.

Conversation

I read that the issue of climate change is quite debatable among some scientists.

Really? I thought most experts agree on it being a serious problem.

Yeah, but there are still some who think the evidence isn’t strong enough.

I guess that makes sense, but it seems like a pretty clear issue to me.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Debatable → It is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "batere" (from Latin, meaning to beat or strike). The word refers to something that can be struck down or argued against, hence it is open to debate.

Memory Tip

Think of something that can be 'struck down' in an argument — 'de-' suggests a downward motion, and 'batere' means to beat, which helps you remember that 'debatable' refers to something that can be argued.

Visually Confused Words