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arguments

 - 3 dictionary results

ar⋅gu⋅ment

  [ahr-gyuh-muhnt]
Use arguments in a Sentence
–noun
1. an oral disagreement; verbal opposition; contention; altercation: a violent argument.
2. a discussion involving differing points of view; debate: They were deeply involved in an argument about inflation.
3. a process of reasoning; series of reasons: I couldn't follow his argument.
4. a statement, reason, or fact for or against a point: This is a strong argument in favor of her theory.
5. an address or composition intended to convince or persuade; persuasive discourse.
6. subject matter; theme: The central argument of his paper was presented clearly.
7. an abstract or summary of the major points in a work of prose or poetry, or of sections of such a work.
8. Mathematics.
a. an independent variable of a function.
b. Also called amplitude. the angle made by a given vector with the reference axis.
c. the angle corresponding to a point representing a given complex number in polar coordinates. Compare principal argument.
9. Computers. a variable in a program, to which a value will be assigned when the program is run: often given in parentheses following a function name and used to calculate the function.
10. Obsolete.
a. evidence or proof.
b. a matter of contention.
Origin:
1325–75; ME (< OF) < L argūmentum. See argue, -ment

Synonyms:
1. Argument, controversy, dispute imply the expression of opinions for and against some idea. An argument usually arises from a disagreement between two persons, each of whom advances facts supporting his or her own point of view. A controversy or a dispute may involve two or more persons. A dispute is an oral contention, usually brief, and often of a heated, angry, or undignified character: a violent dispute over a purchase. A controversy is an oral or written expression of contrary opinions, and may be dignified and of some duration: a political controversy.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To arguments
ar·gu·ment   (är'gyə-mənt)   
n.  

    1. A discussion in which disagreement is expressed; a debate.

    2. A quarrel; a dispute.

    3. Archaic A reason or matter for dispute or contention: "sheath'd their swords for lack of argument" (Shakespeare).

    4. A course of reasoning aimed at demonstrating truth or falsehood: presented a careful argument for extraterrestrial life.

    5. A fact or statement put forth as proof or evidence; a reason: The current low mortgage rates are an argument for buying a house now.

    6. A set of statements in which one follows logically as a conclusion from the others.

    7. A summary or short statement of the plot or subject of a literary work.

    8. A topic; a subject: "You and love are still my argument" (Shakespeare).

    9. An independent variable of a function.

    10. The angle of a complex number measured from the positive horizontal axis.

    1. A course of reasoning aimed at demonstrating truth or falsehood: presented a careful argument for extraterrestrial life.

    2. A fact or statement put forth as proof or evidence; a reason: The current low mortgage rates are an argument for buying a house now.

    3. A set of statements in which one follows logically as a conclusion from the others.

    4. A summary or short statement of the plot or subject of a literary work.

    5. A topic; a subject: "You and love are still my argument" (Shakespeare).

    6. An independent variable of a function.

    7. The angle of a complex number measured from the positive horizontal axis.

    1. A summary or short statement of the plot or subject of a literary work.

    2. A topic; a subject: "You and love are still my argument" (Shakespeare).

    3. An independent variable of a function.

    4. The angle of a complex number measured from the positive horizontal axis.

  4. Logic The minor premise in a syllogism.

  5. Mathematics

    1. An independent variable of a function.

    2. The angle of a complex number measured from the positive horizontal axis.

  6. Computer Science A value used to evaluate a procedure or subroutine.

  7. Linguistics In generative grammar, any of various positions occupied by a noun phrase in a sentence.


[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin argūmentum, from arguere, to make clear; see argue.]
Synonyms: These nouns denote discussion involving conflicting points of view. Argument stresses the advancement by each side of facts and reasons intended to persuade the other side: Emotions are seldom swayed by argument.
Dispute implies animosity: A dispute arose among union members about the terms of the new contract.
Controversy applies especially to major differences of opinion involving large groups of people: The use of nuclear power is the subject of widespread controversy.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: ar·gu·ment
Function: noun
1 : a reason or the reasoning given for or against a matter under discussion —compare EVIDENCE, PROOF
2 : the act or process of arguing, reasoning, or discussing; especially : ORAL ARGUMENT —see also CLOSING ARGUMENT
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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