argument
/ˈɑːɡ.jə.mənt/ IELTSAcademic
noun
- 1.
An argument is a reason or set of reasons for or against something. It is often used in essays, debates, and discussions.
- She gave a strong argument for change.
- His argument did not convince me.
- The teacher asked for one clear argument.
- 2.
An argument is also a disagreement or quarrel between people. This meaning is common in everyday speech.
- They had an argument about money.
- I heard an argument next door.
- There was no need for an argument.
Adinary Nuance
An argument is not the same as a fight. A fight is physical, while an argument is usually spoken or written disagreement. It is also not the same as reason; a reason explains something, while an argument supports a side or opinion.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- lập luận
- Spanish
- argumento
- Chinese
- 论点
- Japanese
- 議論
- Korean
- 논쟁
Etymology
Argument came into English from Old French in the 14th century, and before that from Latin argumentum, meaning proof or evidence.
Common phrases
a strong argumentmake an argumentwin an argumenthave an argument
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is argument formal or informal?
- It can be both. The 'reason' meaning is common in formal writing, and the 'disagreement' meaning is common in speech.
- What is the difference between argument and debate?
- A debate is a formal discussion, often with rules. An argument is a reason for a view, or a disagreement.
- Can argument mean a fight?
- Not usually a physical fight. It usually means a spoken disagreement, sometimes heated.