unquestionable
Meaning
not able to be doubted or questioned; certain and obviously true.
Structure
Usage
his integrity is unquestionable.
the evidence provides unquestionable proof of their theory.
she has an unquestionable talent for public speaking.
Etymology
The word "unquestionable" is a layered construction built upon the Latin root for inquiry. The core noun "question" originates from Latin 'quaerere', meaning "to seek, ask," which evolved into 'quaestio' (a seeking). The suffix "-able," from Latin '-abilis', was added to form "questionable," meaning "capable of being questioned or doubted." Finally, the Old English negative prefix "un-" was prefixed to negate this capability entirely. Thus, the literal morphemic sequence "not + ask + capable of" logically evolved into the modern abstract sense of something so certain it cannot be subjected to inquiry or doubt.
Analysis
- un: a prefix of germanic origin (old english) meaning "not," used to give a negative force. - question: from latin 'quaestion-', meaning 'a seeking, inquiry,' functioning as the core noun/verb root. - able: a suffix from latin '-abilis', meaning 'capable of, fit for,' used to form adjectives.