argument - Dictionary Definition : Vocabulary.com

An argument is a disagreement between two or more people, but it can also be a statement backed by evidence, like your argument that your school doesn't need a dress code.

Argument comes from the 14th century French word of the same spelling, meaning, "statements and reasoning in support of a proposition." An argument can be a fact used as evidence to show that something is true, like a study that shows exercise improves certain health conditions — an argument for being more active. Argument also means "a discussion between people who have contrary views."

PRIMARY MEANINGS OF: argument

1	n	a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement
2	n	a variable in a logical or mathematical expression whose value determines the dependent variable; if f(x)=y, x is the independent variable
3	n	a summary of the subject or plot of a literary work or play or movie

FULL DEFINITIONS OF: argument

1

n a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement

“they were involved in a violent argument”

Synonyms:: arguing, contention, contestation, controversy, disceptation, disputation, tilt

Types:: show 5 types...; hide 5 types...; argle-bargle, argy-bargy
a verbal dispute; a wrangling argument; firestorm
an outburst of controversy; sparring
an argument in which the participants are trying to gain some advantage; polemic
a controversy (especially over a belief or dogma); fight
an intense verbal dispute

Type of:: conflict, difference, difference of opinion, dispute
a disagreement or argument about something important

n a course of reasoning aimed at demonstrating a truth or falsehood; the methodical process of logical reasoning

Synonyms:: argumentation, line, line of reasoning, logical argument

Types:: show 11 types...; hide 11 types...; line of inquiry, line of questioning
an ordering of questions so as to develop a particular argument; casuistry
argumentation that is specious or excessively subtle and intended to be misleading; policy
a line of argument rationalizing the course of action of a government; clericalism
a policy of supporting the influence and power of the clergy in secular or political matters; plank
an endorsed policy in the platform of a political party; economic policy
a government policy for maintaining economic growth and tax revenues; social policy
a policy of for dealing with social issues; party line
the policy of a political group; foreign policy
a policy governing international relations; zero-tolerance policy
any policy that allows no exception; Zionism
a policy for establishing and developing a national homeland for Jews in Palestine

Type of:: abstract thought, logical thinking, reasoning
thinking that is coherent and logical

n a discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal

“the argument over foreign aid goes on and on”

Synonyms:: argumentation, debate

Types:: logomachy
argument about words or the meaning of words

Type of:: discussion, give-and-take, word
an exchange of views on some topic

n a fact or assertion offered as evidence that something is true

“it was a strong argument that his hypothesis was true”

Synonyms:: statement

Types:: show 15 types...; hide 15 types...; proof
a formal series of statements showing that if one thing is true something else necessarily follows from it; counterargument
an argument offered in opposition to another argument; pro
an argument in favor of a proposal; con
an argument opposed to a proposal; case
a statement of facts and reasons used to support an argument; clincher, determiner, determining factor
an argument that is conclusive; adducing
citing as evidence or proof; last word
the final statement in a verbal argument; specious argument
an argument that appears good at first view but is really fallacious; mathematical proof
proof of a mathematical theorem; logical proof
proof of a logical theorem; demonstration, monstrance
proof by a process of argument or a series of proposition proving an asserted conclusion; vicious circle
an argument that assumes that which is to be proved; straw man, strawman
a weak or sham argument set up to be easily refuted; special pleading
an argument that ignores all unfavorable evidence

Type of:: evidence
an indication that makes something evident

2

n a variable in a logical or mathematical expression whose value determines the dependent variable; if f(x)=y, x is the independent variable

Type of:: variable, variable quantity
a quantity that can assume any of a set of values

n (computer science) a reference or value that is passed to a function, procedure, subroutine, command, or program

Synonyms:: parameter

Type of:: value
a numerical quantity measured or assigned or computed; address, computer address, reference
(computer science) the code that identifies where a piece of information is stored

3

n a summary of the subject or plot of a literary work or play or movie

“the editor added the argument to the poem”

Synonyms:: literary argument

Type of:: sum-up, summary
a brief statement that presents the main points in a concise form