argue
[ahr-gyoo]
- to present reasons for or against a thing: He argued in favor of capital punishment.
- to contend in oral disagreement; dispute: The senator argued with the president about the new tax bill.
Show More
- to state the reasons for or against: The lawyers argued the case.
- to maintain in reasoning: to argue that the news report must be wrong.
- to persuade, drive, etc., by reasoning: to argue someone out of a plan.
- to show; prove; imply; indicate: His clothes argue poverty.
Show More
Origin of argue
1275–1325; Middle English < Anglo-French, Old French arguer < Latin argūtāre, -ārī, frequentative of arguere to prove, assert, accuse (Medieval Latin: argue, reason), though Latin frequentative form attested only in sense “babble, chatter”
Synonym study
1, 2. Argue, debate, discuss imply using reasons or proofs to support or refute an assertion, proposition, or principle. Argue implies presenting one's reasons: The scientists argued for a safer testing procedure; it may also imply disputing in an angry or excited way: His parents argue all the time. To discuss is to present varied opinions and views: to discuss ways and means. To debate is to interchange formal (usually opposing) arguments, especially on public questions: to debate a proposed amendment.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for argues
Contemporary Examples
He argues persuasively that the decision to launch the attack was completely contrary to reason and good military judgment.
While 15 miles per week has benefits, “the sweet spot is probably around 30 miles of running per week,” Williams argues.
The instrumental view of culture has it wrong, she argues, and should be replaced with what she calls an “expressive view.”
The video also argues that ISIS is collecting followers across the Middle East, even as far east as China.
The Internet, ever becoming a greater part of the human experience, is at a crossroads, Dwyer argues in his book.
Historical Examples
This is what she argues in behalf of her favourite Hickman, as well as for Solmes in your case.
Clarissa, Volume 2 (of 9)Samuel Richardson
It argues that if France was stricken with defeat, it was because she deserved punishment.
The Three Cities Trilogy, CompleteEmile Zola
And, in the first place, let us see how he argues concerning piety.
The which thing, as I think, argues the very ne plus ultra of sympathy.
MemoirsCharles Godfrey Leland
As he argues, we see his brown low shoe tapping on the floor.
PipefulsChristopher Morley
argue
- (intr) to quarrel; wranglethey were always arguing until I arrived
- (intr; often foll by for or against) to present supporting or opposing reasons or cases in a dispute; reason
- (tr; may take a clause as object) to try to prove by presenting reasons; maintain
- (tr; often passive) to debate or discussthe case was fully argued before agreement was reached
- (tr) to persuadehe argued me into going
- (tr) to give evidence of; suggesther looks argue despair
Show More
Word Origin
C14: from Old French arguer to assert, charge with, from Latin arguere to make clear, accuse; related to Latin argūtus clear, argentum silver
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for argues
argue
v.
c.1300, "to make reasoned statements to prove or refute a proposition," from Old French arguer "maintain an opinion or view; harry, reproach, accuse, blame" (12c.), from Latin argutare "to prattle, prate," frequentative of arguere "make clear, make known, prove, declare, demonstrate," from PIE *argu-yo-, from root *arg- "to shine, be white, bright, clear" (see argent). Meaning "to oppose, dispute" is from late 14c. Related: Argued; arguing.
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper