How Do You Spell QUESTIONABLE?

Pronunciation: [kwˈɛst͡ʃənəbə͡l] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "questionable" may seem odd at first glance, but it can be explained through phonetics. The /kw/ combination is rare in English, but it is pronounced as /kw/ in this word. The first syllable, "ques," is pronounced with a "k" sound due to the influence of the following "w." The second syllable, "-tion," retains its standard pronunciation. The final syllable, "-able," is pronounced as /əbəl/. Thus, the phonetic transcription of "questionable" is /ˈkwɛs.tʃən.ə.bəl/.

QUESTIONABLE Meaning and Definition

  1. Questionable is an adjective that refers to something that raises doubts, uncertainty, or suspicion. It is used to describe situations, actions, statements, or objects that are doubtful, uncertain, or possibly dishonest in nature. When something is considered questionable, it implies that it is open to question, criticism, or disbelief.

    The term questionable often highlights the lack of reliability, credibility, or trustworthiness of a subject matter. A questionable decision or action suggests that it may not be morally or ethically sound, and therefore, its legitimacy is subject to doubt. It may also indicate that the intentions or motives behind the action are dubious or questionable. Questionable statements, claims, or evidence imply that they are of doubtful validity, accuracy, or truthfulness.

    In evaluating the credibility of information or individuals, the term questionable serves as a cautionary note, prompting further investigation, skepticism, or scrutiny. It implies that one should approach the matter with caution or skepticism until its legitimacy is verified or proven. Additionally, questionable may also suggest a level of ambiguity, uncertainty, or potential negative consequences associated with a certain course of action or decision.

    Overall, the term questionable is used to characterize something that is doubtful, uncertain, suspicious, unreliable, or potentially dishonest, inviting skepticism, further investigation, or caution.

  2. That may be doubted; disputable; suspicious.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for QUESTIONABLE *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for QUESTIONABLE

Etymology of QUESTIONABLE

The word "questionable" traces its etymology back to the Latin word "quaestionabilis", which means "doubtful" or "open to questioning". "Quaestionabilis" is derived from the Latin verb "quaestionare", meaning "to ask" or "to question". In turn, "quaestionare" originates from the noun "quaestio", meaning "a question" or "an inquiry". Over time, these Latin roots evolved into "questionable" in English, retaining the sense of being doubtful, open to scrutiny, or subject to questioning.

Similar spelling words for QUESTIONABLE

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