What does opinable mean?
Opionable means that a question, issue, or subject is open to interpretation and may provoke genuine disagreement. It does not necessarily imply that the matter is controversial or that strong feelings will arise; rather, it indicates that objective agreement is not guaranteed. For example, the best approach to a difficult ethical question may remain opinable because reasonable people can assess the circumstances differently. The word is especially useful when discussing matters involving values, interpretation, preferences, or competing principles rather than questions with a clear factual answer. It can also describe a subject that people are likely to argue about, although 'debatable' and 'contentious' may be more familiar choices. Understanding the word helps distinguish a matter open to reasonable disagreement from an issue that is objectively true or false.
adjectiveCapable of being regarded from a particular point of view; open to debate or disagreement. An opinable issue is one on which reasonable people may hold different opinions.
- Capable of being debated or regarded differently depending on one's viewpoint.
- Not settled or objective, but dependent on opinion or interpretation.
"The committee avoided discussing the highly opinable question of relocating the offices."
"Whether the policy was successful remains an opinable question because it depends on which social outcomes are considered."
"The painting's meaning is highly opinable, and viewers have offered sharply contrasting interpretations."
Some questions have answers; the truly opinable ones have reasons.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does opinable come from?
The word is formed from the same Latin root as 'opinion' and 'opine', ultimately from Latin 'opinari', meaning to hold an opinion or think. English developed 'opinion' in the Middle English period, while 'opine' entered earlier and retained the sense of expressing a view. The adjective 'opionable' developed in the 19th century from the idea of something being capable of being opined about or disputed.
How opinable is actually used
Often used with questions, issues, matters, or topics. It is less common than 'debatable' and 'controversial' and can sound slightly formal or analytical.
Easily confused with opinable
An opinable matter is one that can provoke disagreement, whereas an opinionated person tends to express strong personal views forcefully.
An opinable issue is open to debate, while an objectionable issue or feature is disliked or considered offensive.