Argument Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฌ
argument
[หษหษกjสmษnt ]
Definitions
in debate
a reason or set of reasons given in support of an idea, action, or theory
Synonyms
justification, rationale, reasoning.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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argument |
Used in a logical context where someone presents reasons to support a claim or position.
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reasoning |
Used when describing the process of thinking through something logically to form a conclusion or judgment.
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rationale |
Used to explain the underlying reasons or principles behind a decision, idea, or action. It is often more formal and less confrontational than 'argument' or 'justification'.
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justification |
Used when someone is trying to explain or defend their actions, decisions, or beliefs, typically to show that they are reasonable or necessary.
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Examples of usage
- He presented a compelling argument for his case.
- Let's consider both sides of the argument before making a decision.
in mathematics
a value passed to a function, procedure, or operation
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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argument |
Used in programming to refer to values or references passed to functions or methods when they are called.
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parameter |
Commonly found in mathematics, statistics, and programming, denoting a value that influences a system or function but is not a variable in the strict sense.
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variable |
Often used in mathematics, statistics, or programming to describe a quantity that can change or take on different values.
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Examples of usage
- The function takes two arguments as input.
- The equation requires the argument to be a positive integer.
in debate
to provide reasons or evidence in support of an idea, action, or theory
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
argument |
Use when referring to a heated or disagreeing discussion where people express different opinions, often angrily.
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debate |
Use when referring to a formal discussion on a particular topic, where opposing arguments are put forward.
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discuss |
Use when referring to talking about something in detail, often in a calm and constructive way.
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contend |
Use when someone is making a strong claim or assertion, often in a competitive or argumentative manner.
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Examples of usage
- She argued that the proposal was not feasible.
- The students argued over the best solution to the problem.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- Philosophers used structured arguments to explore fundamental questions about existence and morality.
- The syllogism is a formal argument method developed by Aristotle, consisting of premises leading to a conclusion.
- Some modern philosophers distinguish between deductive (certain) and inductive (probable) arguments in logical reasoning.
Psychology
- People often stick to their opinions due to cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias, leading to selective evidence gathering.
- The process of arguing can actually enhance critical thinking skills, as it encourages examining different perspectives.
- Emotions can heavily influence arguments; people may argue more passionately about emotionally charged topics.
Communication
- Effective arguing involves clear communication, active listening, and the ability to empathize with opposing views.
- Using respectful language can reduce defensiveness in arguments, promoting constructive dialogue.
- Some communication specialists emphasize the importance of non-verbal cues, such as body language, in conveying arguments.
Pop Culture
- Debates and arguments are central themes in many movies and TV shows, illustrating both conflict and resolution.
- Online platforms often amplify arguments, allowing for rapid sharing of opinions, sometimes leading to heated exchanges.
- Famous historical arguments include moments in political debates, which have shaped the course of history.
Origin of 'argument'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'argumentum,' which means 'evidence' or 'proof.'
- It made its way into Middle English in the 14th century, originally referring to proof used in debates.
- The structure of an argument in philosophy can be traced back to ancient Greek thinkers like Aristotle.
The word 'argument' originated from Middle English and Old French, influenced by Latin 'argumentum' meaning 'evidence, proof'. The term has been used in English since the 14th century, evolving to encompass various meanings related to reasoning, debate, and mathematics.
See also: argumentatively, arguments, counterargument.
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #1,222, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.
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