argument
Other forms: arguments
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."
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a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement“they were involved in a violent argument”
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synonyms:
arguing, contention, contestation, controversy, disceptation, disputation, tilt
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types:
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argle-bargle, argy-bargy
a verbal dispute; a wrangling argument
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firestorm
an outburst of controversy
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sparring
an argument in which the participants are trying to gain some advantage
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polemic
a controversy (especially over a belief or dogma)
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fight
an intense verbal dispute
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type of:
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conflict, difference, difference of opinion, dispute
a disagreement or argument about something important
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a course of reasoning aimed at demonstrating a truth or falsehood; the methodical process of logical reasoning
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synonyms:
argumentation, line, line of reasoning, logical argument
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types:
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line of inquiry, line of questioning
an ordering of questions so as to develop a particular argument
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casuistry
argumentation that is specious or excessively subtle and intended to be misleading
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policy
a line of argument rationalizing the course of action of a government
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clericalism
a policy of supporting the influence and power of the clergy in secular or political matters
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plank
an endorsed policy in the platform of a political party
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economic policy
a government policy for maintaining economic growth and tax revenues
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social policy
a policy of for dealing with social issues
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party line
the policy of a political group
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foreign policy
a policy governing international relations
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zero-tolerance policy
any policy that allows no exception
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Zionism
a policy for establishing and developing a national homeland for Jews in Palestine
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appeasement
a policy of pacifying an enemy or potential enemy by making concessions
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austerity
a policy of drastically reducing government spending
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nativism
a policy of favoring native-born inhabitants of a country rather than immigrants
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doctrine
a stated government policy, especially one dealing with foreign relations or military strategy
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scorched-earth policy
the military policy of destroying property and resources so that an advancing enemy cannot use them
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type of:
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abstract thought, logical thinking, reasoning
thinking that is coherent and logical
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a discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal“the argument over foreign aid goes on and on”
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synonyms:
argumentation, debate
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types:
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logomachy
argument about words or the meaning of words
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type of:
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discussion, give-and-take, word
an exchange of views on some topic
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logomachy
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a fact or assertion offered as evidence that something is true“it was a strong argument that his hypothesis was true”
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synonyms:
statement
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types:
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proof
a formal series of statements showing that if one thing is true something else necessarily follows from it
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counterargument, counterclaim
an argument offered in opposition to another argument
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pro
an argument in favor of a proposal
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con
an argument opposed to a proposal
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case
a statement of facts and reasons used to support an argument
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clincher, determiner, determining factor
an argument that is conclusive
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adducing
citing as evidence or proof
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last word
the final statement in a verbal argument
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specious argument
an argument that appears good at first view but is really fallacious
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mathematical proof
proof of a mathematical theorem
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logical proof
proof of a logical theorem
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demonstration, monstrance
proof by a process of argument or a series of proposition proving an asserted conclusion
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vicious circle
an argument that assumes that which is to be proved
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straw man, strawman
a weak or sham argument set up to be easily refuted
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special pleading
an argument that ignores all unfavorable evidence
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type of:
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evidence
an indication that makes something evident
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a variable in a logical or mathematical expression whose value determines the dependent variable; if f(x)=y, x is the independent variable
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type of:
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variable, variable quantity
a quantity that can assume any of a set of values
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variable, variable quantity
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(computer science) a reference or value that is passed to a function, procedure, subroutine, command, or program
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synonyms:
parameter
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type of:
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value
a numerical quantity measured or assigned or computed
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address, computer address, reference
(computer science) the code that identifies where a piece of information is stored
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value
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a summary of the subject or plot of a literary work or play or movie“the editor added the argument to the poem”
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synonyms:
literary argument
/ˈɑrgjəmənt/
/ˈɑgjəmənt/
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Vocabulary lists containing argument
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