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

: to give reasons for or against something : reason <argue for a new policy>

: to contend or disagree in words : dispute <argue about money>

transitive verb

: to give evidence of : indicate <the facts argue his innocence>

: to consider the pros and cons of : discuss <argue an issue>

: to prove or try to prove by giving reasons : maintain <asking for a chance to argue his case>

: 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

See argue defined for kids

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ARGUE

Synonyms: assert, contend, maintain, plead, reason

Antonyms: disprove, rebut, refute

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 Kids