criticabili

Criticabili is the plural form of the Italian adjective criticabile, meaning capable of being criticized or open to critique. It is used to describe statements, arguments, proposals, actions, or policies that may be questioned, require scrutiny, or invite further examination. The singular form is criticabile; the plural is criticabili. In Italian, the adjective is commonly used in academic, journalistic, and analytical writing to signal that a point or position is not beyond doubt and may merit critique.

Etymology and meaning: criticabile derives from criticare, to criticize, with the suffix -abile indicating suitability or susceptibility. The root critic- comes from the Latin criticus, itself from the Greek kritikos, reflecting a long-standing association with judgment and evaluation. The term is typically used in neutral or evaluative contexts, rather than to express moral condemnation.

Usage notes: criticabile often conveys that a claim or method can be improved, challenged, or tested. It does not inherently condemn; it signals potential flaws or incompleteness that are open to argument. In contrast, stronger terms like discutibile or contestabile may emphasize doubt or dispute, while indiscutibile or incontrovertibile indicate certainty.

Examples:

- L’ipotesi rimane criticabile finché non vengono presentati dati nuovi.

- Il metodo proposto è criticabile per la mancanza di controlli sperimentali.

- Queste conclusioni sono criticabili ma offrono comunque spunti utili.

See also: criticabilità (the noun form), discutibile, contestabile, indiscutibile.