questionably

Thân thiện

The lawyer reviewed the documents that were questionably acquired.

Definition

Adverb 1. In a manner that is doubtful, uncertain, or open to suspicion. This describes an action done in a way that raises doubts about its propriety, truth, or legitimacy. - Example: The funds were questionably allocated, bypassing the usual approval channels. 2. In a manner that is of uncertain quality or value. This describes something done or existing in a way that is not clearly good, reliable, or acceptable. - Example: The study's methodology was questionably designed, leading to skepticism about its results.

Usage Examples

• Adverb (modifying a verb):
  • The politician questionably claimed he had no knowledge of the scandal. (The manner of claiming is doubtful.)
  • The company's profits rose questionably fast during the economic downturn. (The manner of rising is suspicious.)
• Adverb (modifying an adjective):
  • The artifact was of questionably authentic origin. (The authenticity is doubtful.)
  • He made a questionably wise decision to invest all his savings. (The wisdom is uncertain.)

Advanced Usage

• Used to express moral or ethical doubt: Often implies that an action, while perhaps not definitively wrong, is ethically dubious or not above board.
  • The contract was questionably awarded to the CEO's brother-in-law.
• Used in academic or critical discourse: To highlight methodological flaws or unreliable assumptions.
  • The author questionably extrapolates these findings to the entire population.

Variants and Related Words

• Questionable (adjective): Doubtful as to truth, quality, or legality; suspect.
  • The evidence was highly questionable.
• Question (noun/verb): The act of asking or a sentence seeking information; to ask or express doubt.
  • She questioned his motives.

Synonyms

• Dubiously: In a doubtful or hesitant manner; with suspicion.
• Suspectly: In a manner that causes one to suspect wrongdoing.
• Doubtfully: In a manner full of doubt or uncertainty.

Antonyms

• Indisputably: In a manner that cannot be challenged or denied.
• Unquestionably: In a manner that is beyond doubt; certainly.
• Definitively: In a manner that is conclusive and final.

Related Phrases

• Under question: Being doubted or examined.
  • His qualifications came under question after the incident.
• Open to question: Not definitely settled; debatable.
  • The accuracy of that statement is open to question.

Học thuật

Adverb

1. in a questionable and dubious manner
   • these were estates his father questionably acquired

Từ đồng nghĩa

• dubiously