unarguable

unarguable

UK[ʌnˈɑːɡjuəbl̩]US[ʌnˈɑːrɡjuəbl̩]
adj

impossible to disagree with; definitely true or correct.

Morpheme Breakdown

un
argu
able
un

not

argu

to argue

able

capable of

Etymology

the word 'unarguable' is a modern english formation built upon the established adjective 'arguable'. the core root 'argu-' originates from the latin verb 'arguere', which carried meanings of making something clear, proving, or asserting. this latin term is thought to possibly derive from a proto-indo-european root meaning "to shine, be white, clear". the suffix '-able', of latin origin via french, attaches to verbs to form adjectives meaning "capable of". the negative prefix 'un-', of old english origin, is then added to negate the entire concept, creating a word that literally means "not capable of being argued". the semantic evolution moved from the idea of making a clear proof in latin to the modern sense of a point so definitively true that it cannot be contested.

Analysis

Structure: un (not) + argu (to argue) + able (capable of) un: a prefix of germanic origin (old english) meaning "not". argu: a bound root derived from the latin verb 'arguere', meaning "to make clear, to prove, to accuse". able: a suffix of latin origin (via old french) meaning "capable of, fit for".

Examples

the scientific evidence for climate change is unarguable.

it is unarguable that she was the most qualified candidate for the position.

he presented an unarguable case for reforming the system.