Argument | Definition of argument by Merriam-Webster

Full Definition of ARGUMENT

1

obsolete : an outward sign : indication

2

a : a reason given in proof or rebuttal

b : discourse intended to persuade

3

a : the act or process of arguing : argumentation

b : a coherent series of statements leading from a premise to a conclusion

4

: an abstract or summary especially of a literary work <an argument preceded the poem>

5

: the subject matter especially of a literary work

6

a : one of the independent variables upon whose value that of a function depends

b : a substantive (as the direct object of a transitive verb) that is required by a predicate in grammar

c : amplitude 4

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Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin argumentum, from arguere

First Known Use: 14th century

Synonyms: altercation, argle-bargle [chiefly British], argy-bargy [chiefly British], battle royal, bicker, brawl, contretemps, controversy, cross fire, disagreement, dispute, donnybrook, falling-out, fight, hassle, imbroglio, kickup, misunderstanding, quarrel, rhubarb, row, scrap, set-to, spat, squabble, tiff, wrangle

1

: an angry disagreement : quarrel

2

: a reason for or against something <There's a strong argument for changing the law.>

3

: a discussion in which reasons for and against something are given <Let's hear both sides of the argument.>

Next Word in the Dictionary: argumentalPrevious Word in the Dictionary: argulusAll Words Near: argument

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