argumentative

[ ahr-gyuh-men-tuh-tiv ]

adjective

1. fond of or given to argument and dispute; disputatious; contentious:

   The law students were an unusually argumentative group.

2. of or characterized by argument; controversial:

   an argumentative attitude toward political issues.

3. Law. arguing or containing arguments suggesting that a certain fact tends toward a certain conclusion.

argumentative

/ ˌɑːɡjʊˈmɛntətɪv /

adjective

1. given to arguing; contentious
2. characterized by argument; controversial

Derived Forms

• ˌarguˈmentatively, adverb
• ˌarguˈmentativeness, noun

Other Words From

• argu·menta·tive·ly adverb
• argu·menta·tive·ness noun
• nonar·gu·menta·tive adjective
• nonar·gu·menta·tive·ly adverb
• nonar·gu·menta·tive·ness noun
• over·argu·menta·tive adjective
• over·argu·menta·tive·ly adverb
• over·argu·menta·tive·ness noun
• unar·gu·menta·tive adjective
• unar·gu·menta·tive·ly adverb
• unar·gu·menta·tive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of argumentative¹

First recorded in 1635–45; argument + -ative

Example Sentences

Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s argumentative and divided coalition government has not helped voters feel more secure in the country’s leadership.

From BBC

“By adding negative language that is not remotely close to the proposed amendment’s language,” Brunner explained in her dissent, “the ballot board crafted language to mislead voters into believing that there is something ‘bad’ about the amendment—instead of omitting argumentative language and letting the voters make their decisions unfettered by the board’s proselytizing.”

From Slate

Ms Belinfante said she was described by officers as "rude and argumentative" and was "verbally abusive" towards them as she was escorted from the airport.

From BBC

But she also noticed that people have become more argumentative.

From Los Angeles Times

So there’s a theory percolating online that if you adopt the qualities of a stone, becoming impassive and bland, then you will repel the argumentative, antagonistic people in your life who are itching for conflict.

From New York Times

Related Words

• belligerent
• combative
• contentious
• opinionated