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Meaning & use

probativeness

noun·Advanced

Last updated

UK/ˈprəʊbətɪvnəs/
US/ˈproʊbətɪvnəs/

Meaning

  1. noununcountableformal

    The quality of wanting to prove that you are right or of enjoying arguments and disagreements.

    Grammar: Uncountable; used with 'the' or without an article: his probativeness, a display of probativeness.

    Patterns

    • the probativeness of someone
    • a display of probativeness

    Her probativeness in meetings often made simple discussions last for hours.

    The lawyer's probativeness was useful in court but tiring at dinner parties.

    He showed his probativeness by arguing with every point in the article.

Common combinations

a display of probativeness
The debate turned into a display of probativeness rather than a search for truth.
his probativeness
His probativeness made him a difficult colleague.
the probativeness of the argument
The probativeness of the argument exhausted everyone.

Synonyms and how they differ

argumentativeness
More common and direct; it focuses on the habit of arguing, while 'probativeness' stresses the need to prove oneself right.
contentiousness
Often describes a situation or issue that causes disagreement, not a personal quality.
combativeness
Suggests a readiness to fight or compete, which is stronger and more physical than 'probativeness'.

Opposites

agreeablenesscomplaisance

Word family

probative adjective
Serving to prove something; relating to proof.
prove verb
To show that something is true with evidence.
proof noun
Evidence or an argument that shows something is true.

Commonly confused: probativeness or probability? probativeness or provocativeness?

probativeness vs probability

'Probability' means how likely something is, while 'probativeness' is about a person's tendency to argue or prove points.

probativeness vs provocativeness

'Provocativeness' means the quality of causing anger or sexual interest, not the desire to prove oneself right.

Practice

Her ___ during the discussion made everyone uncomfortable because she challenged every opinion.

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