argument
An argument is a set of reasons to prove a point or a disagreement between people.
Explanation at your level:
An argument is when people talk and do not agree. Sometimes people get angry. It is like a fight with words. You can also have an argument to show why you think something is true.
You use an argument when you want to persuade someone. You give reasons for your opinion. If you and your friend have different ideas, you might have an argument about it. It is a common word in daily life.
In English, an argument refers to a disagreement or a logical case. You might 'present an argument' in class to support your essay. Alternatively, you might 'get into an argument' with a colleague. It is important to know which one you mean!
The term argument is versatile. Academically, it denotes a series of premises leading to a conclusion. Socially, it describes a verbal conflict. Native speakers often distinguish between 'having an argument' (the event) and 'making an argument' (the logical process).
The word argument carries significant weight in rhetoric. A 'sound argument' is one where the premises are true and the logic is valid. Conversely, an 'ad hominem argument' is a logical fallacy where one attacks the person rather than the point. Understanding these nuances is essential for high-level debate and critical thinking.
Etymologically, argument reflects the tension between 'clarification' and 'contention.' In literary criticism, an 'argument' can even refer to the summary of a plot or the central theme of a work. Mastery of this word involves distinguishing between the logical, the emotional, and the structural definitions, and using it precisely in complex discourse.
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- An argument is a series of reasons for a point.
- It also refers to a verbal disagreement.
- It is a countable noun.
- Use 'argue' for the verb form.
When you hear the word argument, you might think of two people shouting, but it actually has two very distinct sides! First, in an academic or logical sense, an argument is a structured set of reasons used to support a claim. Think of it as the 'evidence' you provide to win a debate.
Second, in everyday life, we use it to describe a disagreement. If you and a friend can't decide on a movie and start bickering, that is an argument. Understanding the context is key to knowing which meaning is being used.
The word argument has a rich history that travels back to the Latin word argumentum, which means 'evidence' or 'proof.' It comes from the verb arguere, meaning 'to make clear' or 'to prove.' It is fascinating to see how the word evolved from simply 'clarifying a point' to the more emotional 'disagreement' we often see today.
By the 14th century, it entered Middle English through Old French. Originally, it was almost exclusively used in logic and philosophy. It wasn't until much later that the 'heated dispute' definition became common in daily speech. It is a classic example of how language shifts from formal logic to emotional human interaction over centuries.
Using argument correctly depends on your intent. If you are writing an essay, you will likely use phrases like 'a compelling argument' or 'to present an argument.' This is the formal register.
In casual conversation, you might say 'we had a silly argument' or 'don't start an argument.' Notice how the verbs change: we present or construct an academic argument, but we have or get into a personal argument. Keeping these collocations in mind will make you sound much more natural.
Idioms help us capture the nuance of arguments. 'The elephant in the room' refers to an obvious issue that everyone is ignoring to avoid an argument. 'To win the argument' means to successfully prove your point. 'A bone of contention' is a specific subject that people keep arguing about. 'To pick a fight' is a way of saying someone is intentionally starting an argument. Finally, 'to bury the hatchet' means to end an argument and make peace.
The word argument is a count noun. You can have 'one argument' or 'many arguments.' In terms of pronunciation, the stress is on the first syllable: AR-gyu-ment. In both British and American English, the 'u' is often slightly softened.
It is often followed by the preposition 'for' or 'against' (e.g., 'an argument for change'). Remember that it is not a verb itself; you cannot 'argument' someone. You must use the verb 'argue' for that action.
Fun Fact
It originally meant 'to make clear' before it became associated with fighting.
Pronunciation Guide
Clear 'ar' sound, soft 'g', 'yu' like 'you', 'ment' is unstressed.
Strong 'r' sound, clear 'ar', 'yu' like 'you'.
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing the 'g' as a 'j' sound (it is a hard 'g')
- Adding an extra syllable
- Misplacing the stress on the second syllable
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Common word, easy to read.
Useful in essays.
Common in daily talk.
Easy to hear.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Fortgeschritten
Grammar to Know
Countable Nouns
One argument, two arguments.
Prepositions with Nouns
Argument for/against.
Verb Collocations
Have an argument.
Examples by Level
They had an argument.
They = two people, had = past tense, argument = disagreement.
Simple past tense.
He has a good argument.
He = boy, good = nice/strong, argument = reason.
Present tense.
No more arguments!
No more = stop, arguments = plural.
Plural noun.
I heard an argument.
I = me, heard = listened to, argument = loud talking.
Past tense.
It is a bad argument.
Bad = not good, argument = logic.
Adjective + noun.
They stopped the argument.
Stopped = ended, argument = fight.
Verb + object.
What is your argument?
What = question word, argument = idea.
Question form.
The argument was long.
Was = past, long = duration.
Subject + verb + adjective.
The argument lasted for hours.
She presented a strong argument.
Please don't start an argument.
They settled the argument quickly.
His argument made a lot of sense.
We had an argument about money.
The argument was very heated.
I agree with your argument.
The lawyer's argument convinced the jury.
They avoided an argument by staying calm.
There is a compelling argument for reform.
The main argument of the book is simple.
We need to resolve this argument now.
Her argument was based on facts.
He lost the argument because he was wrong.
The debate turned into a personal argument.
His argument falls apart under scrutiny.
They engaged in a heated argument.
The professor dismantled his argument.
It is a classic argument for free speech.
She put forward a persuasive argument.
The argument for staying is quite strong.
Don't let this argument ruin our friendship.
The logic behind his argument is flawed.
The author constructs a sophisticated argument.
His argument is predicated on false assumptions.
The argument is essentially a tautology.
She presented a cogent argument for change.
The debate hinges on a single argument.
His argument was met with skepticism.
They are locked in a circular argument.
The strength of his argument is undeniable.
The philosophical argument transcends simple logic.
His argument is a masterpiece of rhetoric.
The argument is fraught with contradictions.
She articulated a nuanced argument.
The argument is central to the thesis.
Their argument is a paradigm of clarity.
The argument is inherently subjective.
He systematically deconstructed the argument.
Häufige Kollokationen
Idioms & Expressions
"The elephant in the room"
An obvious problem no one wants to discuss
We avoided the argument by ignoring the elephant in the room.
casual"Bone of contention"
A subject that people argue about
The budget is a major bone of contention.
neutral"Bury the hatchet"
To make peace after an argument
It is time to bury the hatchet.
neutral"Win the argument"
To prove one is right
He always tries to win the argument.
neutral"Talk until you are blue in the face"
To argue for a long time with no result
You can argue until you are blue in the face, but I won't change.
casualEasily Confused
Both imply conflict
Disagreement is broader and less intense
We have a disagreement about the time.
Both involve opposing views
Debate is formal and structured
The presidential debate.
Both imply conflict
Fight can be physical
They had a physical fight.
Both relate to arguing
Contention is a specific point of disagreement
That is the main point of contention.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + presented + an + argument + for/against
She presented an argument for the change.
Subject + had + an + argument + with + someone
I had an argument with my brother.
The + argument + is + based + on
The argument is based on facts.
Subject + won/lost + the + argument
He lost the argument.
There + is + a + strong + argument + for
There is a strong argument for this.
Wortfamilie
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Verwandt
How to Use It
8/10
Formality Scale
Häufige Fehler
Argument is a noun, argue is the verb.
Make an argument is usually for logic; have is for conflict.
Discussion is neutral/positive; argument implies conflict or logic.
Standard English pluralization.
Argument is verbal; fight can be physical.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Visualize a judge's bench for the 'logic' meaning.
When Native Speakers Use It
Use it to describe your essay's main point.
Cultural Insight
Don't say 'we had an argument' if you just had a small disagreement; use 'chat' or 'discussion'.
Grammar Shortcut
Argument = Noun. Argue = Verb.
Say It Right
Stress the first syllable.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't say 'I argumented with him'.
Did You Know?
It comes from the Latin word for 'proof'.
Study Smart
Practice writing 'The argument for X is...'
Context Matters
In a courtroom, it's a legal case. In a home, it's a fight.
Social Etiquette
Avoid starting arguments in professional settings.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
AR-GUE-MENT: An AR-GUE-MENT is when you AR-GUE with a MENTor.
Visual Association
Imagine two people standing on opposite sides of a scale, weighing their ideas.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Write three sentences using 'argument' as a logical point.
Wortherkunft
Latin
Original meaning: Evidence, proof
Kultureller Kontext
Avoid using 'argument' to describe a conversation you want to keep friendly; use 'discussion' instead.
In English, 'argument' is often used politely in academic settings but can be seen as aggressive in social settings.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At school/university
- construct an argument
- logical argument
- support your argument
At home
- start an argument
- have an argument
- settle an argument
In a courtroom
- legal argument
- closing argument
- present an argument
In politics
- political argument
- the argument for reform
- public argument
Conversation Starters
"What is the best argument you have ever heard?"
"Do you think it is easy to win an argument?"
"How do you usually settle an argument?"
"Is it better to avoid an argument or face it?"
"What is a common argument people have today?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you had to present an argument.
Describe the difference between a discussion and an argument.
Why is it important to have logical arguments?
Write about a time you settled an argument peacefully.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
8 FragenNo, it can be a logical process.
No, use 'argue'.
Arguments.
Yes.
Usually 'for' or 'against'.
AR-gyu-ment.
It can be both formal and casual.
Dispute or debate.
Teste dich selbst
They had a loud ___.
Argument fits the context of a loud disagreement.
Which verb goes with 'argument' to mean 'to finish a fight'?
To settle an argument means to end it.
An argument is always a bad thing.
An argument can be a positive logical process in an essay.
Word
Bedeutung
These are common collocations.
She made a strong argument.
His ___ was based on faulty premises.
Argument fits the context of logic.
What is a synonym for 'argument' in a formal context?
Dispute is the most formal synonym.
You can 'argue' a point, but you 'make' an argument.
This is a standard collocation pattern.
We settled the argument.
She presented an ___ for the new law.
Argument is the most precise term for presenting a case.
Ergebnis: /10
Summary
An argument is either a logical case you build or a disagreement you resolve.
- An argument is a series of reasons for a point.
- It also refers to a verbal disagreement.
- It is a countable noun.
- Use 'argue' for the verb form.
Memory Palace Trick
Visualize a judge's bench for the 'logic' meaning.
When Native Speakers Use It
Use it to describe your essay's main point.
Cultural Insight
Don't say 'we had an argument' if you just had a small disagreement; use 'chat' or 'discussion'.
Grammar Shortcut
Argument = Noun. Argue = Verb.
Beispiel
We had a long argument about where to go on vacation this summer.
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