Défendable

Défendable is a French adjective meaning capable of being defended or justified, typically describing an argument, position, claim, or proposition that can be supported with reasons or evidence. The term conveys plausibility and grounds for support, rather than proven truth.

Etymology and form: It derives from the verb défendre (to defend) plus the suffix -able. The standard spelling is défendable. The form défendible is also attested in dictionaries, but it is less common in contemporary usage.

Usage: The word is common in legal, philosophical, academic, and political contexts, where a thesis or stance can be argued or defended with reasoning or evidence. Using défendable signals that a position is defendable within a given framework, though it does not guarantee its ultimate correctness or success.

Nuances and related terms: Défendable emphasizes justification and support rather than infallibility. Related terms include défendabilité (defensibility), which denotes the quality of being defendable, and tenable or justifiable as synonyms depending on context. Antonyms include indéfendable or indefensible, indicating that a position cannot be defended.

Examples: "La thèse est défendable avec les preuves présentées." "Ce point reste défendable tant que les données ne contredisent pas l’hypothèse."

See also: défendabilité, défendable vs défendible (usage and frequency).