argue

verb

ar·​gue ˈär-(ˌ)gyü 

argued; arguing

intransitive verb

1

: to give reasons for or against something : reason

argue for a new policy

2

: to contend or disagree in words : dispute

They're always arguing about money.

transitive verb

1

: to give evidence of : indicate

The facts argue his innocence.

2

: to consider the pros and cons of : discuss

argue an issue

3

: to prove or try to prove by giving reasons : maintain

asking for a chance to argue his case

4

: to persuade by giving reasons : induce

couldn't argue her out of going

arguer

ˈär-gyə-wər 

-gyü-ər

noun

Synonyms

• assert
• contend
• maintain
• plead
• reason

Choose the Right Synonym for argue

discuss, argue, debate mean to discourse about in order to reach conclusions or to convince.

discuss implies a sifting of possibilities especially by presenting considerations pro and con.

discussed the need for a new highway

argue implies the offering of reasons or evidence in support of convictions already held.

argued that the project would be too costly

debate suggests formal or public argument between opposing parties

debated the merits of the amendment

; it may also apply to deliberation with oneself.

I'm debating whether I should go

Examples of argue in a Sentence

She argued against the proposed law.

The senator argued in favor of lowering taxes.

He's always willing to argue for what is right.

She argued that the proposed law should be defeated.

He argued that it's far too early to make a decision.

No one can argue me out of doing this.

They started arguing about politics.

She would argue with anyone.

Recent Examples on the Web

The political scientist Joseph Nye has argued that these American ideals are a core component of U.S. soft power. —Daniel W. Drezner, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024

Eichner argued that building what zoning allowed would mean a market-rate development — that is, condos. —Kim Velsey, Curbed, 12 Nov. 2024

Banning euthanasia, advocates argue, prevents those who are physically unable to end their own lives from doing so. —The Week, theweek, 10 Nov. 2024

Proponents argued that the measure encouraged fairness by putting the mayor on four-year terms like the rest of the city council. —Luis Melecio-Zambrano, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English arguen "to present reasons or arguments, assert," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French arguer, borrowed from Latin arguere "to show, demonstrate, allege, bring a charge against, convict," probably going back to Indo-European *h₂orǵ-u-i̯e- "make clear" (whence also Hittite arkuu̯ae- "make a plea"), derivative of *h₂erǵ- "bright, white" — more at argent

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Phrases Containing argue

• argue the toss
• counter-argue
• one can't argue with

Kids Definition

argue

verb

ar·​gue ˈär-gyü 

argued; arguing

1

: to give reasons for or against

argue in favor of lowering taxes

2

: to talk about some matter usually with different points of view

argue about politics

3

: to persuade by giving reasons

tried to argue their parents into getting a new car

arguer noun

Legal Definition

argue

verb

ar·​gue

argued; arguing

intransitive verb

1

: to give reasons for or against a matter in dispute

arguing for an extension

2

: to present a case in court

will argue for the defense

transitive verb

1

a

: to give reasons for or against

argued the issue before the judge

b

: to prove or try to prove by giving reasons or evidence

will argue invasion of privacy

2

: to present in court

lawyers in court filing briefs and arguing appeals

—Rorie Sherman

arguable adjective