argument

argument — noun

1. a noisy or unpleasant exchange between people who hold opposing views, often inv

1.nounB1
Definition

a noisy or unpleasant exchange between people who hold opposing views, often involving raised voices and bad feelings.

Example

Greta had a loud argument with her brother about who should wash the dishes.

argument with [person] about [topic]

The old couple in the next flat were having another argument over money.

have an argument over [topic]

Common collocations
  • have an argument
  • get into an argument
  • start an argument
  • settle an argument
  • heated argument
  • bitter argument
  • family argument
Synonyms
  • quarrel

    slightly old-fashioned; suggests a personal, often petty fight

  • row

    informal British English for a noisy argument

  • fight

    stronger; can be physical or verbal, often within a family

  • dispute

    more formal; often about money, rights, or contracts

Antonyms
  • agreement

    the state where both sides accept the same view

Grammar Patterns

argument with someone

argument about/over something

have an argument

Usage Note

Subject of 'have' or 'get into' is usually two named people or groups; the topic is introduced with 'about' or 'over'. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense focuses on the heated emotion of the dispute, not the reasons being offered.

Common Mistakes

I made an argument with my friend yesterday.
I had an argument with my friend yesterday.
use 'have' (or 'get into'), not 'make', for an angry dispute.
We argued an argument about the price.
We had an argument about the price.
don't repeat the verb 'argue' with its noun form.

2. a point or set of points that someone offers to show why an idea is right or wro

2.nounB2
Definition

a point or set of points that someone offers to show why an idea is right or wrong, or to convince other people to share their view.

Example

Dr. Rashida presented a strong argument for banning plastic bags in supermarkets.

argument for [doing something]

The lawyer's main argument was that the witness could not have seen the car clearly.

argument + that-clause

Common collocations
  • make an argument
  • present an argument
  • put forward an argument
  • support an argument
  • convincing argument
  • weak argument
  • flaw in the argument
Synonyms
  • case

    the whole set of reasons supporting one side, often in court or debate

  • reasoning

    the thinking process behind an argument, not the points themselves

  • claim

    a single statement someone says is true; an argument backs it up

Grammar Patterns

argument that + clause

argument for/against something

make/put forward an argument

Usage Note

Frequently followed by a that-clause or by 'for/against + noun or -ing'. Object of verbs like 'make', 'present', 'put forward', 'support', 'reject'. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense is the reasoning itself, not the angry exchange — you can present an argument calmly in writing.

Common Mistakes

His argument is to ban cars.
His argument is that cars should be banned.
use a that-clause, not a to-infinitive, after 'argument is'.
She made a good argument for to raise wages.
She made a good argument for raising wages.
after 'argument for/against', use the -ing form, not 'to + verb'.

Word family

  • argue
    verbB1
  • argumentative
    adjectiveC1
  • arguably
    adverbC1
  • argumentation
    nounC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All five words describe people clashing in words, but they differ in tone and setting. 'Argument' is the neutral, everyday choice — friends, family, or colleagues exchanging strong opposing views, sometimes loudly. 'Quarrel' sounds slightly old-fashioned and personal, suggesting a small, hurtful falling-out between people who normally get along. 'Row' is informal British English and feels noisier and more domestic, as in a row with the neighbours. 'Dispute' is the most formal; it fits legal, business, or political contexts where money, rights, or rules are at stake. 'Fight' is the strongest and may be physical, though it is also used for serious verbal clashes within families. Compare: 'I had an argument with my sister' (everyday), 'They are in a legal dispute over the land' (formal), and 'The two boys got into a fight at school' (often physical).

argument ↗quarrel ↗row ↗dispute ↗fight ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • argument winner
  • argument starter

Adverbs

Phrases

  • have an argument
  • get into an argument
  • settle an argument
  • win/lose an argument
  • make a strong argument
  • put forward an argument
  • the heart of the argument
  • for the sake of argument

Prepositions

  • argument with (someone)
  • argument about/over (a topic)
  • argument for/against (an idea)
  • in an argument

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchMiddle EnglishEnglish

'Argument' came into Middle English in the 14th century from Old French 'argument', which itself came from Latin 'argumentum', meaning 'evidence' or 'proof'. The Latin noun was built from the verb 'arguere', 'to make clear, prove, or accuse'. The earliest English uses kept the Latin sense of a logical proof or reason offered to convince others — the modern 'reason given' meaning. The 'angry dispute' meaning grew out of this later, as discussions over reasons often turned heated.