argumentation, logical argument, argument, line of reasoning, line
(noun) a course of reasoning aimed at demonstrating a truth or falsehood; the methodical process of logical reasoning; “I can’t follow your line of reasoning”
argument
(noun) a variable in a logical or mathematical expression whose value determines the dependent variable; if f(x)=y, x is the independent variable
argument, parameter
(noun) (computer science) a reference or value that is passed to a function, procedure, subroutine, command, or program
argument, literary argument
(noun) a summary of the subject or plot of a literary work or play or movie; “the editor added the argument to the poem”
argument, statement
(noun) a fact or assertion offered as evidence that something is true; “it was a strong argument that his hypothesis was true”
argument, argumentation, debate
(noun) a discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal; “the argument over foreign aid goes on and on”
controversy, contention, contestation, disputation, disceptation, tilt, argument, arguing
(noun) a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement; “they were involved in a violent argument”
Source: WordNet® 3.1
argument (countable and uncountable, plural arguments)
A fact or statement used to support a proposition; a reason.
A verbal dispute; a quarrel.
A process of reasoning.
(philosophy, logic) A series of propositions organized so that the final proposition is a conclusion which is intended to follow logically from the preceding propositions, which function as premises.
(mathematics) The independent variable of a function.
(mathematics) The phase of a complex number.
(programming) A value, or reference to a value, passed to a function.
(programming) A parameter at a function call; an actual parameter, as opposed to a formal parameter.
(linguistics) Any of the phrases that bears a syntactic connection to the verb of a clause.
(astronomy) The quantity on which another quantity in a table depends.
The subject matter of a discourse, writing, or artistic representation; theme or topic; also, an abstract or summary, as of the contents of a book, chapter, poem.
Matter for question; business in hand.
• (formal parameter in a function definition): Some authors regard use of "argument" to mean "formal parameter" to be imprecise, preferring that argument refers only to the value that is used to instantiate the parameter at runtime, while parameter refers only to the name in the function definition that will be instantiated.
• Adjectives often used with "argument": valid, invalid, correct, incorrect, right, wrong, strong, weak, convincing, unconvincing, conclusive, inconclusive, fallacious, simple, straightforward, inductive, deductive, logical, illogical, absurd, specious, flawed
• (programming value): actual argument, passed parameter
• See also argument
• See also dispute
• (logic): proposition, premise, conclusion
argument (third-person singular simple present arguments, present participle argumenting, simple past and past participle argumented)
(nonstandard, NNES) To put forward as an argument; to argue.
Source: Wiktionary
Ar"gu*ment, n. Etym: [F. argument, L. argumentum, fr. arguere to argue.]
1. Proof; evidence. [Obs.] There is.. no more palpable and convincing argument of the existence of a Deity. Ray. Why, then, is it made a badge of wit and an argument of parts for a man to commence atheist, and to cast off all belief of providence, all awe and reverence for religion South.
2. A reason or reasons offered in proof, to induce belief, or convince the mind; reasoning expressed in words; as, an argument about, concerning, or regarding a proposition, for or in favor of it, or against it.
3. A process of reasoning, or a controversy made up of rational proofs; argumentation; discussion; disputation. The argument is about things, but names. Locke.
4. The subject matter of a discourse, writing, or artistic representation; theme or topic; also, an abstract or summary, as of the contents of a book, chapter, poem. You and love are still my argument. Shak. The abstract or argument of the piece. Jeffrey. [Shields] with boastful argument portrayed. Milton.
5. Matter for question; business in hand. [Obs.] Sheathed their swords for lack of argument. Shak.
6. (Astron.)
Definition: The quantity on which another quantity in a table depends; as, the altitude is the argument of the refraction.
7. (Math.)
Definition: The independent variable upon whose value that of a function depends. Brande & C.
Ar"gu*ment, v. i. Etym: [L. argumentari.]
Definition: To make an argument; to argue. [Obs.] Gower.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
1 April 2025
(adverb) at the present or from now on; usually used with a negative; “Alice doesn’t live here anymore”; “the children promised not to quarrel any more”
The Boston Tea Party helped popularize coffee in America. The hefty tea tax imposed on the colonies in 1773 resulted in America switching from tea to coffee. In the lead up to the Revolutionary War, it became patriotic to sip java instead of tea. The Civil War made the drink more pervasive. Coffee helped energize tired troops, and drinking it became an expression of freedom.
