argument

American  

[ahr-gyuh-muhnt] / ˈɑr gjə mənt /

noun

• arguments
  plural

1. an oral disagreement; verbal opposition; contention; altercation.

   a violent argument.

2. a discussion involving differing points of view; debate.

   They were deeply involved in an argument about inflation.

3. a process of reasoning; series of reasons.

   I couldn't follow his argument.

4. a statement, reason, or fact for or against a point.

   This is a strong argument in favor of her theory.

5. an address or composition intended to convince or persuade; persuasive discourse.

6. subject matter; theme.

   The central argument of his paper was presented clearly.

7. an abstract or summary of the major points in a work of prose or poetry, or of sections of such a work.

8. Mathematics.

   1. an independent variable of a function.

   2. Also called amplitude.  the angle made by a given vector with the reference axis.

   3. the angle corresponding to a point representing a given complex number in polar coordinates.

9. Computers. a variable in a program, to which a value will be assigned when the program is run: often given in parentheses following a function name and used to calculate the function.

10. Obsolete.

    1. evidence or proof.

    2. a matter of contention.

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argument British  

/ ˈɑːɡjʊmənt /

noun

1. a quarrel; altercation

2. a discussion in which reasons are put forward in support of and against a proposition, proposal, or case; debate

   the argument on birth control will never be concluded

3. (sometimes plural) a point or series of reasons presented to support or oppose a proposition

4. a summary of the plot or subject of a book, etc

5. logic

   1. a process of deductive or inductive reasoning that purports to show its conclusion to be true

   2. formally, a sequence of statements one of which is the conclusion and the remainder the premises

6. logic an obsolete name for the middle term of a syllogism

7. maths

   1. an element to which an operation, function, predicate, etc, applies, esp the independent variable of a function

   2. the amplitude of a complex number

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argument Idioms  

1. see under pick a quarrel.

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Usage

What is an argument? An argument is a spoken disagreement or altercation between two people, The argument between the couple began with a disagreement over who’s turn it was to empty the dishwasher. An argument is also a debate, as in The argument about whether or not to buy new playground equipment went back and forth for over an hour. An argument is a series of reasons, as in The debating team always prepared an argument on the importance of debating teams. An argument is also a theme or central argument, as in an essay. Example: The debate turned into a heated argument when the missing money was brought up.

Synonym Usage

Argument, controversy, dispute imply the expression of opinions for and against some idea. An argument usually arises from a disagreement between two people, each of whom advances facts supporting their own point of view. A controversy or a dispute may involve two or more people. A dispute is an oral contention, usually brief, and often of a heated, angry, or undignified character: a violent dispute over a purchase. A controversy is an oral or written expression of contrary opinions, and may be dignified and of some duration: a political controversy.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• reargument
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• arguments
  plural

Etymology

Origin of argument

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English (from Old French ), from Latin argūmentum; see argue, -ment

Explanation

An argument is a disagreement between two or more people, but it can also be a statement backed by evidence, like your argument that your school doesn't need a dress code. Argument comes from the 14th-century French word of the same spelling, meaning "statements and reasoning in support of a proposition." An argument can be a fact used as evidence to show that something is true, like a study that shows exercise improves certain health conditions — an argument for being more active. Argument also means "a discussion between people who have contrary views."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

argument arguments

That’s how the argument goes, but the logic can point the other way.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 6, 2026

This seems like an audaciously difficult argument to make.

From Slate ● Aug. 6, 2026

While it is true that stocks are overvalued, this argument cuts both ways.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 5, 2026

The balanced stock-bond portfolio is defying the widespread argument that it is no longer an appropriate approach.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 5, 2026

Their main argument, in defense of subprime CDOs, was that “the CDO buyer will never go away.”

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

During closing arguments, prosecutor Linda Singer told jurors that Meta's algorithms had directed adults toward content posted by teenage users while the company concealed internal findings about the risks to young people.

From Barron's ● Aug. 7, 2026

In addition, the CMA factored in the competition brought by streaming services to traditional forms of movie and TV distribution — one of Paramount’s key arguments.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 6, 2026

However, in each case, subtle errors were found that invalidated the arguments.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 6, 2026

Four and a half months into my incarceration, in an incredibly rare occurrence in our legal system, three federal judges ordered my immediate release after hearing oral arguments in my appeal.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 5, 2026

The Incorrigible children were in danger, and she simply had to save them, right now, no arguments.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• altercation
• bickering
• brawl
• clash
• controversy
• debate
• disagreement
• dispute
• exchange
• feud
• quarrel
• squabble