argument
gb/ˈɑɹɡjəmənt/ us/ˈɑɹɡjəmənt/
B1
English
~ 900
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
event
1
An exchange of different opinions
A talk between people who do not agree and may be angry.
Usage pattern:
an argument about [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'argument' with 'discussion', but 'argument' usually means there is disagreement or conflict.
Synonyms
dispute (A more formal or neutral term for a disagreement.)
Antonyms
agreement (A situation where people share the same opinion instead of opposing ones.)
Collocations
heated argument
|get into an argument
|win an argument
|have an argument
Themes
emotions
|relationships
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- They had a loud argument about politics.
- I don't want to get into another argument with you.
- The meeting ended in an argument over budget cuts.
- We had an argument about where to go on vacation.
Learner examples
- I had an argument with my friend.
- They are having an argument about the game.
- We had an argument about dinner.
- She won the argument.
Noun
B2
entity
2
A reason supporting an idea
A reason you give to show your idea is right.
Usage pattern:
an argument for/against [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think 'argument' here means a fight, but in this sense it means a reason or point in a discussion or writing.
Synonyms
reasoning (Focuses more on the process of thinking logically.)
Antonyms
counterargument (An opposing reason presented to challenge the original claim.)
Collocations
strong argument
|make an argument
|support an argument
|convincing argument
Themes
education
|logic
|debate
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She made a strong argument for changing the law.
- His main argument against the proposal was cost.
- The lawyer presented her arguments clearly.
- This is a convincing argument in favor of renewable energy.
Learner examples
- He made an argument for the new plan.
- Her argument was very strong.
- I do not agree with your argument.
- We listened to his argument against the idea.
Noun
technical
B2
entity
3
Value given to a program function
In computer programming, information you give to a function so it can work.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'argument' with 'parameter'; in programming, 'argument' is the actual value you send to a function.
Synonyms
parameter (Often used interchangeably, though 'parameter' can refer to the variable defined by a function and 'argument' to the value passed.)
Collocations
pass an argument
|function arguments
|command-line arguments
Themes
technology
|computing
|science
|education
Examples
- The function takes two arguments: width and height.
- You can pass the filename as an argument to the command.
- Arguments must be given in the correct order.
Learner examples
- This function needs two arguments.
- We pass an argument to the program.
- The program uses arguments from the user.
Grammar
Dictionary form
argument
IPA
GB/ˈɑɹɡjəmənt/
US/ˈɑɹɡjəmənt/
Syllables & stress
ar - gu - ment (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (ar)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: argument
- Plural: argument, arguments
Word family
Expressions
for the sake of argument
1/fɚ ðə sˈeɪk əv ˈɑɹɡjəmənt/
fixed phrase
Assume something just for discussion
Pretend something is true so we can talk about it, even if it might not be true.
Examples
- Let's say, for the sake of argument, that he is right.
- For the sake of argument, imagine we double our budget.
pick an argument
1/pˈɪk ən ˈɑɹɡjəmənt/
fixed phrase
informal
Start a disagreement on purpose
To try to start a fight or disagreement with someone.
Examples
- He picked an argument with me over nothing.
- Stop picking arguments with your coworkers.
win an argument
1/wˈɪn ən ˈɑɹɡjəmənt/
fixed phrase
Convince others in a disagreement
To make other people agree with you in a disagreement.
Examples
- She always tries to win every argument.
- He won the argument by showing clear evidence.