discutible
/diskutible/from spelling rules
The English word "debatable" translates to Spanish as discutible.
Discutible is used to describe something that is controversial.
Meaning: controversial (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed from the verb discutir (to discuss/debate) and the suffix -ible (able to be).
Which one should you use?
While discutible means 'debatable' or 'open to question', it is distinct from discutido, which means 'discussed' or 'argued'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective discutible must agree in number with the noun it modifies, becoming discutibles for plural nouns. The adjective discutible must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, though the form remains the same for both masculine and feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/diskutible/
Did you know?
- The root of the word comes from the Latin 'discutere', which literally meant 'to strike asunder' or 'to dash to pieces'. This ancient image of smashing things apart is the hidden origin of why it can mean to argue intensely.
- In Spanish, if you say someone is discutidor, you are not calling them a debater but rather 'argumentative' or 'quarrelsome'.
- In English, 'to discuss' is usually neutral, but in Spanish, discutir often implies a heated disagreement or a verbal quarrel. Calling a point 'discutible' can sometimes sound more aggressive than saying it is 'debatable' in English.
Examples in context
- Eso es discutible.That's debatable.This sentence is useful for stating that something is debatable using discutible.Tatoeba #2152523 by hayastan, translation #2111450 by CK
- La decisión del tribunal es discutible desde el punto de vista legal.The court's decision is debatable from a legal standpoint.
- El tema es controvertido y requiere un análisis exhaustivo.The topic is controversial and requires thorough analysis.
- La afirmación del científico está sujeta a debate en la comunidad académica.The scientist's statement is subject to debate in the academic community.
- El resultado del partido es discutible.The result of the match is debatable.
- Esa decisión política es muy discutible.That political decision is very controversial.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are discussing a new law at a cafe.
- Lucía¿Crees que la nueva ley es justa?Do you think the new law is fair?
- JavierNo, su aplicación es muy discutible.No, its application is very controversial.
- LucíaEntiendo, Javier, tiene muchos problemas.I see, Javier, it has many problems.
- JavierSí, hay opiniones divididas.Yes, opinions are divided.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries discutible, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
