argument

[ ahr-gyuh-muhnt ]

noun

1. an oral disagreement; verbal opposition; contention; altercation:

   a violent argument.

2. a discussion involving differing points of view; debate:

   They were deeply involved in an argument about inflation.

3. a process of reasoning; series of reasons:

   I couldn't follow his argument.

4. a statement, reason, or fact for or against a point:

   This is a strong argument in favor of her theory.

5. an address or composition intended to convince or persuade; persuasive discourse.
6. subject matter; theme:

   The central argument of his paper was presented clearly.

7. an abstract or summary of the major points in a work of prose or poetry, or of sections of such a work.
8. Mathematics.
   1. an independent variable of a function.
   2. Also called amplitude. the angle made by a given vector with the reference axis.
   3. the angle corresponding to a point representing a given complex number in polar coordinates. Compare principal argument.
9. Computers. a variable in a program, to which a value will be assigned when the program is run: often given in parentheses following a function name and used to calculate the function.
10. Obsolete.
    1. evidence or proof.
    2. a matter of contention.

argument

/ ˈɑːɡjʊmənt /

noun

1. a quarrel; altercation
2. a discussion in which reasons are put forward in support of and against a proposition, proposal, or case; debate

   the argument on birth control will never be concluded

3. sometimes plural a point or series of reasons presented to support or oppose a proposition
4. a summary of the plot or subject of a book, etc
5. logic
   1. a process of deductive or inductive reasoning that purports to show its conclusion to be true
   2. formally, a sequence of statements one of which is the conclusion and the remainder the premises
6. logic an obsolete name for the middle term of a syllogism
7. maths
   1. an element to which an operation, function, predicate, etc, applies, esp the independent variable of a function
   2. the amplitude of a complex number

Other Words From

• re·argu·ment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of argument¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English (from Old French ), from Latin argūmentum; argue, -ment

Idioms and Phrases

see under pick a quarrel .

Synonym Study

Argument, controversy, dispute imply the expression of opinions for and against some idea. An argument usually arises from a disagreement between two people, each of whom advances facts supporting their own point of view. A controversy or a dispute may involve two or more people. A dispute is an oral contention, usually brief, and often of a heated, angry, or undignified character: a violent dispute over a purchase. A controversy is an oral or written expression of contrary opinions, and may be dignified and of some duration: a political controversy.

Example Sentences

In their closing arguments, prosecutors outlined how evidence showed that Ibarra's DNA was found under the nails of Ms Riley, indicating that a struggle had ensued between them.

From BBC

“The argument that higher wages lead to lower employment does not have a lot of evidence going for it,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

“Having a similar tattoo in a similar location does not make you the robber,” Federal Public Defender Michael L. Brown said in closing arguments Tuesday.

From Los Angeles Times

They illustrated the essence of the farmers’ argument: there is a deep-seated cultural expectation that they will pass on their farm to the next generation.

From BBC

The presiding judge had to intervene to bring the argument to an end.

From BBC

Related Words

• altercation
• bickering
• brawl
• clash
• controversy
• debate
• disagreement
• dispute
• exchange
• feud
• quarrel
• squabble

More About Argument

What is an argument?

An argument is a spoken disagreement or altercation between two people, The argument between the couple began with a disagreement over who’s turn it was to empty the dishwasher.

An argument is also a debate, as in The argument about whether or not to buy new playground equipment went back and forth for over an hour.

An argument is a series of reasons, as in The debating team always prepared an argument on the importance of debating teams. 

An argument is also a theme or central argument, as in an essay.

Example: The debate turned into a heated argument when the missing money was brought up.

Where does argument come from?

The first records of the term argument come from the 1300s. It comes from the Latin argūmentum.

Arguments arise when two points of view cannot align. Arguments can be caused by differences of opinion, honest misunderstandings, or outright lies. For example, a couple might have an argument about doing household chores because one person has a stronger desire for cleanliness than the other person does. Arguments like these can be found in just about any situation and can typically be resolved with a compromise.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to argument?

• reargument (noun)
• argumentation (noun)
• argumentative (adjective)

What are some synonyms for argument?

• altercation
• bickering
• brawl
• assertion
• debate
• reasoning

What are some words that share a root or word element with argument? 

• argumentation
• argumentative
• argumentum

What are some words that often get used in discussing argument?

• groundless
• heated
• persuasive
• supporting

How is argument used in real life?

Argument is commonly used to describe a discussion with two or more conflicting viewpoints.

You ever be killin it in an argument and then just sit back and be like…wow…I really should pursue a career in law.

— Zendaya (@Zendaya) January 19, 2018

I've got a new challenge for everyone today. Pick somebody that you had an argument with that you think you hate maybe even someone you haven't spoken to in years and contact that person and tell them I love you.

— ye (@kanyewest) April 28, 2018

Every argument ain’t a fall out

— Waka Flocka (WakaFlocka.eth) (@WakaFlocka) June 22, 2019

 

Try using argument!

Which of the following is NOT a synonym for argument?

A. agreement
B. altercation
C. debate
D. disagreement