argument

[ahr-gyuh-muh nt] /ˈɑr gyə mənt/
noun
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.
    Compare principal argument.
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.
Origin
1325-75; Middle English (< Old French) < Latin argūmentum. See argue, -ment
Related forms
reargument, noun
Synonyms
1. Argument, controversy, dispute imply the expression of opinions for and against some idea. An argument usually arises from a disagreement between two persons, each of whom advances facts supporting his or her own point of view. A controversy or a dispute may involve two or more persons. 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.
Examples from the web for arguments
  • So much of the debate rests upon sauropod physiology that without a living animal to study the arguments will continue.
  • Still, over the decades researchers who doubted the dinosaur-bird link also made good anatomical arguments.
  • But attempts to unravel that history have produced many interpretations and arguments.
  • Critics of such arguments have pointed out that these problems are not necessarily unique to primates.
  • He reaffirmed his conclusions and modified his arguments in an attempt to quell dissent.
  • Allow each side time to prepare opening comments and concise arguments that support their position and to anticipate rebuttals.
  • The arguments go back and forth, but policymakers and governments aren't waiting for answers.
  • Ask them if group members ever disagree or get into arguments.
  • Students should be prepared to provide convincing arguments for their choices.
  • Use a standard debate procedure and have the non-debating students evaluate the efficacy of the arguments.
British Dictionary definitions for arguments

argument

/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 pl) 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
Word Origin and History for arguments

argument

n.

early 14c., "statements and reasoning in support of a proposition," from Old French arguement "reasoning, opinion; accusation, charge" (13c.), from Latin argumentum "evidence, ground, support, proof; a logical argument," from arguere "to argue" (see argue). Sense passed through "subject of contention" to "a quarrel," a sense formerly attached to argumentation.

Idioms and Phrases with arguments

argument

see under pick a quarrel