argument

EN
noun
verb

🇺🇸

/ˈɑːrɡjəmənt/

🇺🇸

/ˈɑːrɡjəmənt/

🇬🇧

/ˈɑːrɡjəmənt/

🇬🇧

/ˈɑːrɡjəmənt/

Word Forms

Plural

arguments

Past Tense

argued

Past Participle

argued

Gerund

arguing

3rd Person

argues

Description

An argument is either a reasoned exchange where people present opposing views to persuade each other—or the set of reasons and evidence supporting a claim. Think of it as a mental boxing match with logic instead of fists: you don’t just shout—you back up your point with facts, examples, or principles.

Examples

She presented a clear and well-structured argument for renewable energy subsidies.

They had a heated argument about politics at dinner, but managed to stay respectful.

The lawyer's closing argument convinced the jury to acquit her client.

His argument that sleep deprivation impairs learning is supported by dozens of peer-reviewed studies.

Don't confuse a passionate argument with a personal attack—good arguments focus on ideas, not identities.

Root

argu

Comes from the Latin verb 'arguere', meaning 'to make clear, prove, assert, or accuse'. It conveys the core idea of presenting reasons, evidence, or claims to support or challenge a position. Examples include argue, argument, arguable, disargue, and interrogate (via 'rogare', a related root in some etymological analyses).

ment

Comes from the Latin noun-forming suffix '-mentum', used to form abstract nouns denoting the result or means of an action. It signifies 'the act, process, or result of doing something'. Examples include argument, achievement, development, improvement, and movement.