argument
argument Lexical Profile
argument Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An exchange of diverging or opposite views, typically a heated or angry one.
"The neighbors got into a loud argument over the boundary line between their properties."
A reason or set of reasons given with the aim of persuading others that an action or idea is right or wrong.
"The defense attorney presented a compelling argument that convinced the jury of her client's innocence."
An independent variable or value passed into a mathematical function or computer subroutine.
"The function will return an error if the second argument is not a positive integer."
A summary of the subject matter or plot of a book, poem, or other literary work.
"Each book of Milton's epic poem begins with a brief prose argument outlining the events to come."
Word Nuance & Usage
In everyday conversation, 'argument' usually implies a heated quarrel, whereas in academic and legal contexts, it is entirely neutral and refers to a structured line of reasoning or evidence.
• Rhymes for argument
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 14th century from Old French 'argument', from Latin 'argumentum' ('evidence, proof, logical conclusion'), derived from the verb 'arguere' meaning 'to make clear, demonstrate, or prove'.