Ten words for pushing back in English without sounding rude – the hedges, the concessions, and the polite knife.
arguably[ˈɑː.ɡju.ə.bli]
used to say that something can be defended, though others may deny it
ExamplesThat is arguably the best chapter.
speakingadverbs
admittedly[ədˈmɪt.ɪd.li]
used to accept a point that weakens your own case
ExamplesAdmittedly, we started late.
speakingadverbs
nonetheless[ˌnʌn.ðəˈles]
in spite of what has just been said
ExamplesIt is expensive; nonetheless, it works.
Synonymsnevertheless
speakingadverbs
hardly[ˈhɑːd.li]
almost not at all
ExamplesThat is hardly a solution.
Synonymsscarcely, barely
speakingadverbs
overstate[ˌəʊ.vəˈsteɪt]
to describe something as larger or more important than it is
ExamplesHe overstates the risk.
Synonymsexaggerate
speakingverbs
concede[kənˈsiːd]
to admit that something is true, unwillingly
ExamplesShe conceded the point.
Synonymsadmit
speakingverbs
dispute[dɪˈspjuːt]
to say that something is not true or not fair
ExamplesNobody disputes the figures.
Synonymscontest, challenge
speakingverbs
misleading[ˌmɪsˈliː.dɪŋ]
giving a wrong impression, though not exactly false
ExamplesThe headline was misleading.
speakingadjectives
flawed[flɔːd]
containing a fault that weakens the whole thing
ExamplesThe study is flawed.
speakingadjectives
reservation[ˌrez.əˈveɪ.ʃən]
a doubt that stops you agreeing completely
ExamplesI have reservations about the plan.
Synonymsdoubt, misgiving
speakingnouns
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