argument

argument

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Pronunciation

IPA Phonetic Spelling

• /ˈɑːrɡjəmənt/ (General American) or /ˈɑːɡjʊmənt/ (Received Pronunciation)

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

• gu - /ɡjə/ (as in "gull" but with a 'y' glide - General American) or /ɡjʊ/ (as in "good" with 'y' glide - Received Pronunciation)

• ment - /mənt/ (as in "moment" without the first 'o')

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Word Form Variations

Argument" primarily functions as a noun.

• Noun:

• Singular: argument

• Plural: arguments

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

• Verb: argue

• Adjective: arguable, argumentative

• Adverb: arguably

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Noun

1. A reason or set of reasons given with the aim of persuading others that an action or idea is right or wrong; a line of reasoning.

• Example: "The scientist presented a strong argument for her theory."

• Synonyms: reasoning, rationale, case, contention, thesis, proof, justification

• Antonyms: counter-argument, rebuttal, refutation (as an opposing argument), assertion (without supporting reasons)

2. An exchange of diverging or opposite views, typically a heated or angry one.

• Example: "They had a fierce argument about politics."

• Synonyms: quarrel, dispute, disagreement, debate, squabble, row, contention

• Antonyms: agreement, consensus, harmony, accord, reconciliation

3. The summary or main points of a literary work, speech, or discourse.

• Example: "The play's argument explored themes of love and betrayal."

• Synonyms: plot, theme, subject, synopsis, outline, gist

• Antonyms: detail, elaboration, digression

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Examples of Use

• Books:

• "He did not begin to argue; he merely presented the facts, hoping they would speak for themselves." (George Orwell, Nineteen Eighty-Four, 1949, adapted for brevity)

• Newspapers:

• "The court heard closing arguments from both the prosecution and the defense in the high-profile corruption case." (The New York Times)

• Online Publications:

• "Our latest feature presents a compelling argument for why remote work models are here to stay, despite corporate pushback." (Forbes.com)

• Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:

• "That was quite an argument you two just had; everything alright?" (Common dialogue in TV sitcoms, e.g., Friends, 1994-2004)

• "In this video, I'll break down the main argument of the philosopher's newest book and offer my counterpoints." (YouTube academic review channel)

• "The band's internal arguments over creative direction ultimately led to their breakup." (Podcast episode on music history, "Behind the Music,")

• General Public Discourse:

• "I had a huge argument with my brother about politics."

• "His main argument is that we need more funding for education."

• "Let's not get into an argument right now; I'm too tired."

• "There's no argument that she's the best candidate for the job."

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10 Quotes Using Argument

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

2. "You can't win an argument with a closed mind." (Common proverb, widely attributed)

3. "I learned a long time ago that you can't have a good argument with a bad listener." (Common observational quote, often about communication skills)

4. "The best way to win an argument is to avoid it." (Common proverb, sometimes attributed to Dale Carnegie)

5. "A single fact can ruin a good argument." (Common logical observation)

6. "My favorite part of any relationship is when the argument is over." (Common humorous observation about relationships)

7. "An argument does not make a truth." (A common philosophical point)

8. "There is no argument against the truth." (Common saying, emphasizing the power of undeniable facts)

9. "Marriage is a perpetual feast for the eyes and ears, not an argument." (Common humorous observation about marriage)

10. "Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere. But a strong argument uses both." (A popular motivational adaptation, reflecting a sentiment often attributed to Albert Einstein)

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Etymology

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

The first known use and meaning of "argument" in English was very much in line with its Latin roots: a statement or summary of facts or reasons for something. It was initially more about a logical presentation of a case, as in "the argument of a book," before it commonly developed the sense of a heated dispute.

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Argument

• Heated argument (a passionate or angry dispute)

• Logical argument (a well-reasoned and coherent set of points)

• Winning an argument (to prevail in a dispute)

• Lose an argument (to be defeated in a dispute)

• Get into an argument (to begin a dispute)

• Start an argument (to initiate a dispute)

• Point of argument (a specific issue or detail being disputed)

• Beyond argument (undeniable; indisputable)

• Begging the question (a logical fallacy where the conclusion is assumed in the premise, often part of a flawed argument)

• Building a strong case (using a synonym for a compelling argument)

• Picking a quarrel (using a synonym for starting an argument)

• No room for debate (using a synonym, indicating an indisputable point)

• Disagreement in principle (using a synonym, referring to a fundamental difference of opinion)

• Come to terms (an idiom for resolving a disagreement)

• Bone of contention (the central point of an argument)

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

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

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