argue Meaning, Definition & Usage

Ar"gue intransitive verb

Etymology

OE. arguen, F. arguer, fr. L. argutare, freq. of arguere to make clear; from the same root as E. argent.

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Argued present participle & verbal noun Arguing

Definitions

1. To invent and offer reasons to support or overthrow a proposition, opinion, or measure; to use arguments; to reason.

   I argue not Against Heaven's hand or will. Milton.

2. To contend in argument; to dispute; to reason; -- followed by with; as, you may argue with your friend without convincing him.

Ar"gue transitive verb

Definitions

1. To debate or discuss; to treat by reasoning; as, the counsel argued the cause before a full court; the cause was well argued.
2. To prove or evince; too manifest or exhibit by inference, deduction, or reasoning.

   So many laws argue so many sins. Milton.

3. To persuade by reasons; as, to argue a man into a different opinion.
4. To blame; to accuse; to charge with. Obs.

   Thoughts and expressions . . . which can be truly argued of obscenity, profaneness, or immorality. Dryden.

   Syn. -- to reason; evince; discuss; debate; expostulate; remonstrate; controvert. -- To Argue, Dispute, Debate. These words, as here compared, suppose a contest between two parties in respect to some point at issue. To argue is to adduce arguments or reasons in support of one's cause or position. To dispute is to call in question or deny the statements or arguments of the opposing party. To debate is to strive for or against in a somewhat formal manner by arguments.

   Men of many words sometimes argue for the sake of talking; men of ready tongues frequently dispute for the sake of victory; men in public life often debate for the sake of opposing the ruling party, or from any other motive than the love of truth. Crabb.

   Unskilled to argue, in dispute yet loud, Bold without caution, without honors proud. Falconer.

   Betwixt the dearest friends to raise debate. Dryden.