argue

argue

---

Pronunciation

IPA Phonetic Spelling

• /ˈɑːrɡjuː/ (General American) or /ˈɑːɡjuː/ (Received Pronunciation)

• ar - /ˈɑːr/ (as in "car" with 'r' - General American) or /ˈɑː/ (as in "car" without 'r' - Received Pronunciation)

• gue - /ɡjuː/ (as in "dew" with 'g' sound)

---

Word Form Variations

Argue" primarily functions as a verb.

• Verb:

• Base form: argue

• Third person singular present: argues

• Present participle: arguing

• Past tense: argued

• Past participle: argued

• Related forms (but not direct variations of "argue" itself):

• Noun: argument

• Adjective: arguable, argumentative

• Adverb: arguably

---

---

Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Verb

1. To express disagreement with someone, typically verbally, often with strong feelings.

• Example: "They argued about who should pay the bill."

• Synonyms: quarrel, dispute, bicker, squabble, wrangle, contend

• Antonyms: agree, concur, concede, comply, assent

2. To present reasons or evidence in support of an idea, action, or theory, or against an opposing one.

• Example: "She argued that the new policy would benefit everyone."

• Synonyms: contend, assert, claim, maintain, propose, advocate, reason

• Antonyms: deny, refute, contradict, gainsay, concede

3. To persuade or try to persuade someone to do or not to do something by giving reasons.

• Example: "He tried to argue her out of quitting her job."

• Synonyms: persuade, convince, dissuade (for not doing), coax, prevail upon

• Antonyms: force, compel, deter, discourage

---

Examples of Use

• Books:

• "He tried to argue that the war was just, but his voice faltered, betraying his own doubts." (George Orwell, Nineteen Eighty-Four, 1949, adapted for brevity)

• Newspapers:

• "Economists continue to argue over whether rising interest rates will effectively curb inflation without triggering a recession." (The Wall Street Journal)

• Online Publications:

• "Some critics argue that the latest software update prioritizes aesthetics over functionality, creating a less efficient user experience." (The Verge)

• Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:

• "Why do we always have to argue about silly things?" (Common dialogue in romantic comedy films, e.g., When Harry Met Sally..., 1989)

• "In this debate, I'll argue for the proposition that AI will fundamentally transform education by 2030." (Podcast host introducing a topic, "The Future of Learning," April 2025)

• "My parents always argue about who gets to control the remote." (User comment on a TikTok video about family life)

• General Public Discourse:

• "Don't argue with the referee; his decision is final."

• "I wouldn't argue with that assessment."

• "They argue about politics all the time."

• "You can't argue with success."

---

---

10 Quotes Using Argue

1. "Never argue with a fool; onlookers may not be able to tell the difference." (Mark Twain, often attributed)

2. "You can't argue with success." (Common proverb, widely attributed)

3. "When you can't argue with the facts, argue with the speaker." (Common cynical observation about debate tactics)

4. "The goal is not to win an argument, but to win a heart." (Widely used motivational quote, often attributed to various spiritual leaders)

5. "People love to argue but hate to listen." (Common observation about human nature)

6. "He will argue for his limitations if you let him." (A motivational insight, frequently expressed in self-help contexts)

7. "Why do we always argue about the same things?" (Common rhetorical question in relationships, featured in many films/TV)

8. "It is useless to argue with a man whose mind is made up." (Proverb, widely attributed)

9. "Do not argue with me!" (A common emphatic dialogue line in film, television, and general discourse)

10. "Sometimes you have to step back and not argue, just observe." (A common piece of wisdom about managing conflict)

---

Etymology

The word "argue" is about expressing disagreement or presenting reasons for a point of view. Its history comes from a Latin word related to making something clear or bright.

It comes from the Latin verb "arguere," which meant "to make clear," "to prove," "to accuse," or "to blame." This Latin term is thought to come from an older root related to "silver" or "white" (like argent in French for silver), suggesting the idea of making something "shine" or be "clear" through reasoning or accusation.

The word "argue" entered the English language from Old French ("arguer") in the late 13th or early 14th century (around the 1200s to 1300s).

The first known use and meaning of "argue" in English was very much in line with its Latin roots: to prove or demonstrate something, or to accuse/reproach someone. The sense of expressing disagreement or contention (what we commonly think of as "arguing") developed a bit later, as proving or accusing often involved contention.

---

---

 Phrases + Idioms Containing Argue

• Argue with a fool (to engage in a pointless debate with an unreasonable person)

• Argue the toss (British informal, to dispute a decision or statement)

• Argue the point (to debate a specific detail or aspect)

• Argue one's way out of (to escape a difficult situation by persuasion or debate)

• Argue for/against (to present reasons supporting or opposing something)

• Don't argue with success (a common saying suggesting not to question a proven method)

• Contend a position (using a synonym for similar effect)

• Bicker over trifles (using a synonym, indicating petty disagreement)

• Reason a case (using a synonym, meaning to present logical support for an idea)

• Cross swords (an idiom for engaging in an argument or dispute)

---

Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

---

Source Information

Definition of argue from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

---