argue

play

verb ar·gue \ˈär-(ˌ)gyü\

Definition of argue

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

play \-gyə-wər, -gyü-ər\ noun

See argue defined for English-language learners

See argue defined for kids

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 of argue from the Web

The decision followed months of debate with aides arguing opposing positions.

— jonathan lemire, The Seattle Times, "For President Trump, decisions accompanied by drama", 2 June 2017
Opponents argue that cognition involves not just passing along information, but also interpreting it into some sort of abstract, meaningful representation of the world, which the web—or a tray of Scrabble tiles—

— joshua sokol, The Atlantic, "Does a Spider Use Its Web Like You Use Your Smartphone?", 30 May 2017
Trump, unlike most politicians and, frankly, most people, will nonchalantly argue two logically inconsistent points at the same time.

— philip bump, Washington Post, "The fake news is coming from inside the White House", 29 May 2017
But some critics argue the comedy is a good, fresh reboot to the show.

— the tylt, AL.com, "Is the 'Baywatch' reboot worth seeing?", 29 May 2017
As men argued over the parking space, one pulled a gun and fired two to three shots, Miami Beach police said.

— monique o. madan, miamiherald, "Man stabbed with a broken bottle of alcohol on Memorial Day in South Beach", 29 May 2017
The state’s top cop argued at a trial in September that cheaper cigarettes attract young people who are disproportionately lured to smoking by lower costs.

— erik larson, Bloomberg.com, "UPS Must Pay $247 Million to N.Y. Over Untaxed Cigarettes", 26 May 2017
Earlier this year, lawyers for Pence argued unsuccessfully in a civil case that Indiana courts had no authority to force him to comply with public records law.

— brian slodysko, chicagotribune.com, "Indiana faces records request backlog as Pence drags feet on his emails", 26 May 2017
The author argues that the demise of the state’s reputation dates back to the 2000 election.

— concepciÓn de leÓn, New York Times, "What to Read Before Your Florida Trip", 23 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'argue'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of argue

Middle English, from Anglo-French arguer to reprove, argue & Latin arguere to demonstrate, prove; Anglo-French arguer, from Latin argutare to prate, frequentative of arguere; akin to Hittite arkuwai- to plead, respond

First Known Use: 14th century

Synonym Discussion of 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

ARGUE Defined for English Language Learners

argue

play

verb

Definition of argue for English Language Learners

: to give reasons for or against something : to say or write things in order to change someone's opinion about what is true, what should be done, etc.
: to cause (someone) to decide to do or not do something by giving reasons
: to disagree or fight by using angry words

ARGUE Defined for Kids

argue

play

verb ar·gue \ˈär-gyü\

Definition of argue for Students

argued

;

arguing

1 : to discuss some matter usually with different points of view His parents argue about politics.
2 : to give reasons for or against something The Senator argued in favor of lower taxes.
3 : to persuade by giving reasons No one can argue me out of doing this.
4 : to disagree or fight using angry words : quarrel They argue about everything.

arguer

noun

Law Dictionary

argue

verb ar·gue

Legal Definition of argue

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