First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
argue
verb ar·gue \ˈär-(ˌ)gyü\
: 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
ar·guedar·gu·ing
Full Definition of ARGUE
intransitive verb
1
: to give reasons for or against something : reason <argue for a new policy>
2
: to contend or disagree in words : dispute <argue 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>
— ar·gu·er \-gyə-wər, -gyü-ər\ noun
See argue defined for English-language learners
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Origin 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
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>.
ARGUER Defined for Kids
argue
verb ar·gue \ˈär-gyü\
ar·guedar·gu·ing
Definition of ARGUE for Kids
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.>
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