Argue Meaning
Argue Definition & Usage
To present reasons or evidence to support or oppose an idea, opinion, or claim, typically in a debate or discussion.
Examples
- "They argued for hours about the merits of the new policy."
- "I don’t want to argue with you, but I think you’re wrong."
- "The team argued that the project should receive more funding."
- "She argued passionately for a change in the law."
- "The lawyer argued that the defendant was innocent."
To engage in a verbal dispute, typically with strong emotions and little agreement.
Examples
- "They argued over whose turn it was to clean the kitchen."
- "My parents always argue about the best way to discipline us."
- "Stop arguing with your brother and help him out!"
- "The neighbors argue loudly every weekend."
- "Why do you always argue with me when I suggest something?"
To state something in a way that implies a debate or disagreement, usually over a minor point.
Examples
- "I’m not going to argue with you about the details."
- "There’s no point in arguing whether it's 10 or 11 o’clock."
- "He always argues about the smallest things just to get attention."
- "Don’t argue with the facts—just accept them."
- "She argued that she was simply making a suggestion, not an order."
Cultural Context
The word 'argue' comes from the Latin 'arguere', meaning 'to make clear, demonstrate, or explain', which evolved into the modern meaning of debating or disputing. The concept of arguing, in various forms, has existed since ancient philosophical traditions, particularly in Greek rhetoric and in legal systems. In contemporary use, 'argue' can range from formal discussions in law and politics to everyday disagreements among individuals.
The Great Debate
Story
The Great Debate
At a local café, two friends, Mark and Sarah, sat at a corner table, deeply engrossed in conversation. It had started innocently enough, discussing the latest tech gadgets, but as always, it quickly escalated into an argument. Mark, a firm believer in the necessity of constant technological upgrades, passionately argued that Sarah’s reluctance to buy the newest phone was a sign of her outdated thinking. He presented his case: the phone’s camera improvements were unparalleled, and the processing speed was unmatched. Sarah, however, was not convinced. 'You know, Mark, I don’t need a phone that takes better pictures than my actual camera. I’m fine with what I have,' she argued, her tone more frustrated than usual. The discussion moved from phones to social media, where they found themselves arguing even more heatedly. Mark insisted that social platforms were essential for personal branding, while Sarah countered that they were just a waste of time. 'I’m not going to argue with you about the impact of Instagram on society. It’s obvious that it’s a huge distraction,' she said, folding her arms. As the argument progressed, the tension grew. It wasn’t just about phones anymore—it was about their differing worldviews. Their conversation had shifted from lighthearted banter to a serious debate, one that they both felt compelled to win. Mark threw out statistics, while Sarah countered with personal experiences. Neither was truly listening to the other, each trying to win the argument. Finally, after hours of back-and-forth, they both sat back, realizing they hadn’t changed each other’s mind. They hadn’t come to a resolution, but the argument itself had given them something to think about. 'I guess we’re just going to have to agree to disagree,' Sarah said with a sigh. Mark nodded. 'Yeah, I think we’ve argued enough for today.' The debate had not only strengthened their friendship but also highlighted the differences in their perspectives. It wasn’t about winning or losing, but about understanding why they disagreed. They both left the café with a new sense of respect for each other’s viewpoints, and the argument, in a way, had deepened their connection. In this story, the word 'argue' illustrates different meanings: the formal presentation of evidence in a debate, emotional verbal confrontation in disagreements, and the informal nature of everyday disputes. Both characters use the word in various ways, demonstrating its flexibility in conversation.
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