Cette page dans ta langue

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 noun #1,500 le plus courant 8 min de lecture

argument

Top 1,500

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces argument en 30 secondes

Explication argument in your Level:

At the A1 level, you might encounter 'argument' in very simple contexts, though it is not a core vocabulary word for beginners. You might hear it in a classroom when a teacher asks 'Pourquoi ?' and expects a simple reason. At this stage, you can think of an 'argument' as a 'reason' (une raison). For example, if you say 'J'aime le chocolat parce que c'est bon', 'c'est bon' is your simple argument. You don't need to worry about complex logic yet. Just remember that it is a masculine word: 'un argument'. You might see it in simple texts about opinions. Focus on the idea that an argument helps you explain your choice. It is not a fight. If you are angry with a friend, don't use this word. Use 'Je suis fâché'.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the A2 level, you are starting to express opinions more clearly. You can use 'argument' to talk about why you like or dislike something in a more structured way. You might say, 'J'ai un argument pour aller au cinéma : le nouveau film est très célèbre.' Here, you are using the word to introduce a supporting fact. You should also be aware that 'argument' is a 'false friend'. If you want to say you had a fight with someone, you should use 'dispute'. At A2, you can start to use simple adjectives with it, like 'un bon argument' or 'un mauvais argument'. You will also see it in short articles where people give their points of view on simple topics like hobbies, travel, or school.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the B1 level, 'argument' becomes a very important word. You are now expected to give reasons and explanations for your opinions, plans, and actions. In the DELF B1 exam, for example, you have to write a 'lettre formelle' or an 'essai' where you must 'développer des arguments'. This means you shouldn't just state a fact; you should explain the logic behind it. You will learn to use connectors like 'de plus', 'en revanche', and 'par conséquent' to link your arguments. You will also encounter the word in more professional or academic settings. You should be able to distinguish between 'un argument' (a logical point) and 'une dispute' ( a quarrel). You can start using more specific verbs like 'présenter un argument' or 'trouver des arguments'.

At the B2 level, you need to master the use of 'argument' in complex debates. You are expected to 'argumenter' (the verb form) effectively. This involves not only presenting your own points but also anticipating and 'réfuter' (refuting) the arguments of others. You will use sophisticated expressions like 'un argument de poids' (a powerful argument) or 'un argument fallacieux' (a fallacious argument). You will understand that an argument must be 'pertinent' (relevant) and 'cohérent'. In your writing, you will structure your work using a series of arguments that lead to a logical conclusion. You will also encounter the word in legal, political, and social commentaries in the French media, where the strength of an 'argumentation' is often analyzed.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the C1 level, your use of 'argument' should be nuanced and precise. You will explore the rhetorical aspects of the word. You will study how arguments are constructed to appeal to 'logos' (logic), 'ethos' (credibility), and 'pathos' (emotion). You will be able to identify 'des failles dans l'argumentation' (flaws in the reasoning) of a complex text. You will use the word in academic contexts to discuss the 'argument' of a book or a play (its summary or core theme). Your vocabulary will include terms like 'argumentaire' (a set of arguments used in sales or politics). You will be able to engage in high-level discussions where you dissect the 'arguments contradictoires' of different philosophical or scientific schools of thought.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'argument' in all its technical and literary senses. You can use it in the context of formal logic, mathematics, and computer science (as a variable or parameter). You can appreciate the 'finesse' of an argument in a philosophical treatise. You are capable of producing an 'argumentation' that is not only logically flawless but also stylistically elegant. You can use the word to discuss the history of rhetoric, from the Greek sophists to modern political discourse. You understand the subtle differences between 'argument', 'assertion', 'postulat', and 'axiome'. At this level, 'argument' is not just a word you use; it is a concept you manipulate with ease to navigate the most complex intellectual landscapes in the French language.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

argument en 30 secondes

Argument means a logical point or reason used to persuade, not a verbal fight or quarrel.
It is a masculine noun: 'un argument'. The plural is 'des arguments'.
Commonly used in academic writing, legal contexts, and professional debates.
A major 'false friend' for English speakers; use 'dispute' for a fight.

In French, the word argument refers specifically to a logical point, a piece of reasoning, or evidence used to support a claim or persuade an audience. Unlike its English counterpart, which often implies a heated disagreement or a fight, the French 'argument' is primarily intellectual and structural. It is the building block of a 'démonstration' or a 'plaidoyer'. When you use an argument in French, you are engaging in the art of rhetoric rather than the act of quarreling.

Logical Basis: An argument is a 'preuve' (proof) or a 'raisonnement' (reasoning) intended to justify a proposition. It is the 'why' behind a 'what'.

L'avocat a présenté un argument de poids pour innocenter son client.

To understand 'argument', one must distinguish it from 'dispute'. If two people are shouting at each other in the street, a French speaker would say they are having a 'dispute' or a 'scène', not an 'argument'. An 'argument' is what you find in a dissertation, a legal brief, or a scientific paper. It is a tool for the mind, designed to move a listener from doubt to conviction through the power of logic and facts.

Structural Role: In literature and theater, 'argument' can also refer to a brief summary of a plot or the theme of a work, serving as the conceptual foundation for the narrative.

L'argument de cette pièce de théâtre repose sur un malentendu tragique.

The word carries a sense of weight and validity. We often speak of an 'argument massue' (a knockout argument) or an 'argument fallacieux' (a fallacious argument). This highlights that the focus is on the quality and the truth-value of the statement. In a professional context, being able to 'développer ses arguments' is a key skill, implying the ability to structure thoughts coherently to achieve a specific goal, such as winning a contract or changing a policy.

Rhetorical Context: It is often used in the plural ('des arguments') to suggest a comprehensive set of reasons that together form a solid case.

Elle a énuméré tous ses arguments contre la nouvelle loi.

Votre argument est tout à fait recevable dans ce débat.

Il manque d'arguments pour convaincre le jury.

Using the word argument correctly requires understanding its collocations and the verbs that typically accompany it. In French, you don't 'make' an argument in the sense of creating a conflict; you 'avancer' (put forward), 'présenter' (present), or 'développer' (develop) an argument. The focus is on the delivery of information to support a thesis.

Common Verbs: Avancer un argument, réfuter un argument, soutenir un argument, trouver un argument.

Il a su avancer des arguments convaincants lors de la réunion.

When you want to describe the quality of an argument, you use adjectives that denote strength or validity. A 'solide' argument is hard to break. A 'pertinent' argument is relevant to the topic. Conversely, a 'faible' argument lacks evidence, and an 'irrecevable' argument cannot be accepted in a formal setting like a court or a formal debate.

Adjective Pairings: Argument béton (rock-solid), argument fallacieux (misleading), argument massue (decisive).

C'est un argument béton que personne ne peut contester.

In writing, especially in the French 'dissertation' (the standard academic essay), the 'argument' is the link between your 'idée directrice' (main idea) and your 'exemple' (example). A well-structured paragraph usually follows the pattern: Idea -> Argument -> Example. Without the argument, your essay is just a list of facts; the argument provides the logic that binds the facts to your thesis.

Prepositional Use: Argument 'en faveur de' (in favor of) or 'contre' (against).

Quels sont vos arguments en faveur de ce projet ?

Il a balayé d'un revers de main tous mes arguments.

Cet argument ne tient pas la route (This argument doesn't hold water).

The word argument is ubiquitous in French public life, especially in spheres where persuasion is paramount. You will hear it daily on news channels like BFM TV or France Info during political debates. Journalists often ask politicians, 'Quel est votre principal argument pour convaincre les électeurs ?' (What is your main argument to convince voters?). In this context, it implies a strategic point designed to win support.

In the French education system, from 'collège' to 'université', the 'argument' is the holy grail of student work. Teachers constantly remind students to 'étayer leurs propos par des arguments solides'. If a student's essay is described as 'manquant d'arguments', it means it is superficial or purely descriptive. Therefore, you hear it in every classroom and see it in every red-inked margin of a graded paper.

Legal settings are another prime location. In a 'tribunal', 'les arguments de la défense' and 'les arguments de l'accusation' are the core of the trial. Here, the word takes on a formal, almost sacred quality. It represents the legal reasoning that could determine a person's freedom. Lawyers spend hours 'affûter leurs arguments' (sharpening their arguments) before a hearing.

Marketing and sales also rely heavily on 'arguments de vente' (selling points). When a salesperson lists the features of a product, they are presenting 'des arguments'. A 'plan d'argumentation' is a standard document in French business schools, teaching students how to systematically overcome customer objections using specific logical points.

Finally, in daily life, while you won't use it to describe a fight with your spouse, you might use it when discussing a serious decision with friends, such as where to go on vacation or which car to buy. 'J'ai un bon argument pour choisir la Bretagne : le prix des locations est bien plus bas.' In this casual but rational exchange, 'argument' fits perfectly.

The most frequent mistake made by English speakers is the 'False Friend' trap. In English, 'to have an argument' usually means to have a verbal fight. In French, saying 'J'ai eu un argument avec mon frère' is a literal translation that sounds very strange to a native speaker. It would imply that you and your brother exchanged logical points in a formal debate, which is rarely what is meant. To express a fight, you must use 'une dispute' or 'une engueulade' (slang).

Another mistake is confusing 'argument' with 'raison'. While they are related, they are not always interchangeable. A 'raison' is a general cause or motive ('La raison pour laquelle je suis en retard...'). An 'argument' is a structured point used to persuade. You wouldn't say 'L'argument pour lequel je suis en retard', because being late isn't usually a point you're using to win a debate; it's just a fact of your situation.

Grammatically, learners sometimes struggle with the plural. Remember that 'argument' is a regular masculine noun. The plural is 'arguments'. Also, pay attention to the preposition. We say 'un argument pour' or 'un argument contre', but also 'un argument en faveur de'. Avoid using 'argument sur' unless you are specifically talking about an argument *about* a topic, but even then, 'argument concernant' is often preferred.

Finally, avoid overusing 'argument' in places where 'preuve' (proof) is more appropriate. An argument is a piece of reasoning; a 'preuve' is a concrete fact that confirms the truth. If you have a DNA sample, that is a 'preuve'. If you explain why the DNA sample means the suspect was at the scene, that explanation is your 'argument'.

To enrich your vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words that occupy the same semantic space as argument. Each has a slightly different nuance that can make your French sound more precise and sophisticated.

Raisonnement: This refers to the whole process of logic. An 'argument' is a single point, while a 'raisonnement' is the entire chain of logic.
Preuve: Concrete evidence. An argument uses 'preuves' to be convincing.
Justification: A reason given to excuse or explain an action. It is often more defensive than a standard argument.
Motif: The underlying reason or motivation for something, often used in legal or psychological contexts.

When comparing 'argument' and 'raison', think of 'raison' as the 'why' and 'argument' as the 'how I will convince you'. For example: 'La raison de mon départ est le stress (The reason for my departure is stress). J'ai plusieurs arguments pour justifier que le stress est dangereux (I have several arguments to justify that stress is dangerous).'

In a formal debate, you might also use 'thèse' (your main position) and 'antithèse' (the opposing position). The 'arguments' are what you use to support your 'thèse' and refute the 'antithèse'. This dialectical approach is very common in French intellectual culture.

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Logical connectors (connecteurs logiques)

Subjunctive with doubt/opinion

The structure of the French dissertation

Passive voice in formal arguments

Direct and indirect object pronouns with 'donner'

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Exemples par niveau

C'est un bon argument.

It's a good argument.

Masculine singular noun.

Quel est ton argument ?

What is your argument?

Interrogative sentence.

Je n'ai pas d'argument.

I don't have an argument.

Negative construction with 'de'.

Il donne un argument simple.

He gives a simple argument.

Adjective follows the noun.

Voici mon argument pour partir.

Here is my argument for leaving.

Preposition 'pour' used for purpose.

Elle a un argument fort.

She has a strong argument.

Adjective 'fort' modifying 'argument'.

Ton argument est vrai.

Your argument is true.

Subject-verb-adjective structure.

Un petit argument suffit.

A small argument is enough.

Subject 'Un petit argument'.

Il utilise cet argument pour convaincre son père.

He uses this argument to convince his father.

Verb 'utiliser' with 'argument'.

Nous avons besoin de plus d'arguments.

We need more arguments.

Plural form 'arguments'.

C'est un argument très intéressant.

It's a very interesting argument.

Adverb 'très' modifying 'intéressant'.

Elle cherche un argument pour ne pas venir.

She is looking for an argument not to come.

Infinitive 'venir' after 'pour ne pas'.

Je ne comprends pas ton argument.

I don't understand your argument.

Negative verb 'comprendre'.

Est-ce un argument valable ?

Is it a valid argument?

Inversion for question.

Ils ont présenté leurs arguments.

They presented their arguments.

Possessive adjective 'leurs'.

Ce n'est pas le bon argument.

This is not the right argument.

Negative with 'ne...pas'.

L'auteur développe un argument solide dans ce chapitre.

The author develops a solid argument in this chapter.

Verb 'développer' is common at B1.

Il faut trouver des arguments en faveur de l'écologie.

It is necessary to find arguments in favor of ecology.

Expression 'en faveur de'.

Son principal argument repose sur des faits réels.

His main argument is based on real facts.

Verb 'reposer sur'.

Je vais réfuter cet argument point par point.

I am going to refute this argument point by point.

Verb 'réfuter' (to refute).

L'argument financier est le plus important pour eux.

The financial argument is the most important for them.

Adjective 'financier'.

Elle a avancé un argument qui a surpris tout le monde.

She put forward an argument that surprised everyone.

Relative clause 'qui a surpris'.

Quels sont les arguments contre cette décision ?

What are the arguments against this decision?

Preposition 'contre'.

Il a manqué d'arguments lors du débat.

He lacked arguments during the debate.

Expression 'manquer de'.

L'avocat a utilisé un argument massue pour clore l'affaire.

The lawyer used a knockout argument to close the case.

Idiomatic 'argument massue'.

Ce raisonnement manque d'arguments logiques.

This reasoning lacks logical arguments.

Adjective 'logiques'.

Il a balayé mes arguments d'un revers de main.

He dismissed my arguments with a wave of his hand.

Idiomatic expression.

L'argumentation doit être structurée et cohérente.

The argumentation must be structured and coherent.

Noun 'argumentation' related to 'argument'.

C'est un argument fallacieux destiné à tromper le public.

It is a fallacious argument intended to deceive the public.

Adjective 'fallacieux'.

Elle a su affûter ses arguments avant la négociation.

She knew how to sharpen her arguments before the negotiation.

Metaphorical use of 'affûter'.

L'argument de vente principal est la durabilité du produit.

The main selling point is the product's durability.

Compound noun 'argument de vente'.

Il a présenté des arguments contradictoires.

He presented contradictory arguments.

Adjective 'contradictoires'.

L'argument ontologique a été longuement débattu par les philosophes.

The ontological argument has been debated at length by philosophers.

Academic context.

Il a su déceler une faille dans l'argument de son adversaire.

He was able to detect a flaw in his opponent's argument.

Noun 'faille' (flaw/crack).

L'argument de la pièce est résumé dans le programme.

The plot summary of the play is summarized in the program.

Literary sense of 'argument'.

Sa rhétorique s'appuie sur des arguments d'autorité.

His rhetoric relies on arguments from authority.

Technical term 'argument d'autorité'.

L'argumentation est étayée par des statistiques rigoureuses.

The argumentation is supported by rigorous statistics.

Verb 'étayer' (to support/prop up).

Il a développé un argumentaire imparable.

He developed an unstoppable set of arguments.

Noun 'argumentaire'.

L'argument ad hominem est souvent utilisé en politique.

The ad hominem argument is often used in politics.

Latin rhetorical term.

On ne peut ignorer la pertinence de cet argument.

One cannot ignore the relevance of this argument.

Noun 'pertinence'.

L'argument de la fonction doit être un nombre entier.

The argument of the function must be an integer.

Mathematical/Technical sense.

La dialectique hégélienne repose sur le dépassement des arguments opposés.

Hegelian dialectics is based on overcoming opposing arguments.

High-level philosophical context.

Il a articulé son discours autour d'un argument central d'une grande subtilité.

He articulated his speech around a central argument of great subtlety.

Verb 'articuler'.

L'argumentation sophistique vise à persuader sans égard pour la vérité.

Sophistic argumentation aims to persuade without regard for the truth.

Adjective 'sophistique'.

L'argument du dessein intelligent est au cœur de nombreux débats théologiques.

The argument from intelligent design is at the heart of many theological debates.

Theological context.

Il a réfuté le postulat de base par un argument par l'absurde.

He refuted the basic postulate with an argument to the absurd.

Term 'argument par l'absurde'.

L'argumentation juridique nécessite une précision terminologique absolue.

Legal argumentation requires absolute terminological precision.

Adjective 'juridique'.

L'argument de cet opéra est tiré d'une légende médiévale.

The plot of this opera is taken from a medieval legend.

Literary/Musical sense.

Synonymes

raison preuve justification motif thèse

Antonymes

Collocations courantes

argument solide

argument convaincant

argument massue

argument fallacieux

avancer un argument

réfuter un argument

développer un argument

argument de vente

argument de poids

manquer d'arguments

Phrases Courantes

C'est un argument de taille.

Il n'a plus d'arguments.

Un argument à double tranchant.

L'argumentation est faible.

Présenter ses arguments.

Échanger des arguments.

Un argument sans fondement.

L'argument ultime.

Balayer un argument.

Affûter ses arguments.

Souvent confondu avec

argument vs Dispute (a fight)

argument vs Raison (a general reason)

argument vs Preuve (physical evidence)

Expressions idiomatiques

"Argument massue (A knockout argument)"

"Argument béton (Rock-solid argument)"

"Argument à deux balles (Cheap/weak argument - slang)"

"Argument de choc (Powerful argument)"

"L'argument qui tue (The killer argument)"

"Argument de derrière les fagots (A rare/special argument)"

"Argument à dormir debout (Nonsensical argument)"

"Argument de poids (Weighty/serious argument)"

"Argument tiré par les cheveux (Far-fetched argument)"

"Argument bidon (Fake/bogus argument)"

Facile à confondre

argument vs Dispute

argument vs Sujet

argument vs Motif

argument vs Exemple

argument vs Thèse

Structures de phrases

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour voir tous les exemples

Comment l'utiliser

literary

It can mean 'summary' in old texts.

technical

In math, 'argument' is the input to a function.

false friend

Do not use 'argument' for a fight.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'argument' to mean a fight.
Saying 'argument sur' instead of 'argument concernant'.
Pronouncing the 't' at the end.
Confusing 'argument' with 'preuve' (proof).
Using 'argument' as a feminine noun.

Astuces

Use Synonyms

Try using 'raisonnement' or 'justification' to avoid repetition in your essays.

Prepositions

Remember: argument 'pour' or 'contre'. Never 'argument sur'.

Debating

In France, giving a good argument is more respected than just being loud.

DELF B1/B2

You must use at least 2-3 arguments in your written production.

Nasal Sound

Practice the nasal 'an' sound at the end of 'argument'.

Warning

If you are angry, don't say 'J'ai un argument'. Say 'Je suis en colère'.

Structure

Start with your strongest argument to make a good impression.

Sales

Prepare your 'argumentaire' before meeting a client.

Validity

Check if your argument is 'recevable' (acceptable) before speaking.

Context

In old books, 'argument' might just mean 'summary'.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Argument' as 'Architecture'. An argument builds the structure of your logic, just like an architect builds a house.

Origine du mot

From Latin 'argumentum'

Contexte culturel

Debating is a national pastime in France, often happening over long dinners.

French politicians are expected to be 'beaux parleurs' (eloquent speakers) with solid arguments.

The 'dissertation' is the standard exam format in France, requiring multiple arguments per section.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"Quel est ton meilleur argument pour ce voyage ?"

"Peux-tu me donner un argument contre cette idée ?"

"Je ne vois aucun argument valable dans son discours, et toi ?"

"Quels sont les arguments de vente de ce nouveau téléphone ?"

"Est-ce que tu as un argument pour me convaincre ?"

Sujets d'écriture

Écrivez trois arguments pour l'apprentissage des langues.

Quel est l'argument le plus stupide que vous ayez jamais entendu ?

Développez un argument en faveur de la protection des océans.

Réfutez l'argument selon lequel l'argent fait le bonheur.

Décrivez un moment où vous avez dû utiliser des arguments solides au travail.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Non, en français, 'argument' signifie une raison logique. Pour 'fight', utilisez 'dispute'.

Oui, si vous voulez dire que vous possédez une raison logique pour prouver quelque chose.

Le pluriel est 'arguments' (avec un s).

C'est un mot masculin : un argument.

On dit 'un argument de vente'.

Un argument est construit pour convaincre, une raison est une cause générale.

C'est un argument très fort qui termine la discussion.

Oui, il désigne la variable d'une fonction.

On ne le prononce pas. On dit 'ar-gu-mahn'.

Oui, il signifie présenter des arguments.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour les astuces et notes