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argue

/ˈɑːrɡjuː/
verb★Intermediate💡 present reasons to support a claim
neutral

to present reasons for or against a claim, idea, or action

She argued that the policy would harm small businesses.

She presented reasons why the policy would negatively affect small businesses.

The lawyer argued the case in court.

The lawyer presented legal arguments to support their client's position.

💡

Can be used in formal (e.g., law, academia) or informal contexts.

informal

to quarrel or dispute with someone

They're always arguing about money.

They frequently quarrel about financial matters.

💡

Implies disagreement or conflict, often emotionally charged.

Collocations

argue forpresent reasons in favor of somethingargue againstpresent reasons opposing somethingargue withquarrel with someoneargue overdispute about a topic

Synonyms

debatediscussquarreldispute

Antonyms

agreeconcurharmonize

Related Phrases

argue the tossidiom
to argue pointlessly about a settled matter
argue someone into a cornerphrase
to force someone into a position where they cannot defend their argument

💡Pro Tip

Prepositions matter

Use 'argue for/against' for presenting reasoned support/opposition. Use 'argue with' for quarreling with someone. Example: 'She argued for the policy' vs. 'She argued with her colleague'.

⚡Gold Rule

Formal vs. Informal Use

'Argue' in formal contexts (e.g., law, academia) means to present reasoned support. In informal contexts, it often implies quarreling or emotional disagreement.

📖Word Origin

From Latin 'arguere' (to make clear, assert), via Old French 'arguer' (to accuse, prove). Related to 'argument' (from Latin 'argumentum').

📝Usage Notes

The verb 'argue' emphasizes presenting reasoned support for a position. In informal contexts, it can imply heated disagreement. Commonly used with prepositions like 'for', 'against', 'with', or 'over'.

Word Breakdown

argu-
to make clear, assert (Latin root)
root
English Dictionary

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