argue
- 01 A2 Elementary
to speak to someone in an angry way because you disagree with them.
to engage in a verbal dispute or quarrel, typically characterized by emotional intensity or interpersonal friction.
Simple“The couple started to argue about whose turn it was to wash the dishes.”
In context“The neighbours frequently argue over the exact boundary of their properties, though neither has sought a professional survey to resolve the matter.”
UsageIntransitive in this sense; usually takes 'with' for the person and 'about' or 'over' for the topic.
PitfallI argued my brother about the car. I argued with my brother about the car.When you have a disagreement with a person, you must use the preposition 'with'.
- 02 B1 Intermediate
to give reasons for your opinion to try to convince other people.
to present reasons or evidence in support of a specific idea, action, or theory.
Simple“She argued that the city needs more parks for children to play in.”
In context“The lead researcher argued that the data clearly indicated a correlation between sleep quality and cognitive performance in older adults.”
UsageOften followed by a 'that' clause or the preposition 'for' or 'against'.
- 03 C1 Advanced
to show that something is probably true.
to provide grounds for a specific conclusion; to indicate or imply a certain state of affairs.
Simple“The success of the project argues for a larger budget next year.”
In context“The sudden shift in consumer behaviour argues a deeper dissatisfaction with the current market leaders than previously suspected.”
Usage argues the system · strongly argue
Etymology tree Latin arguōder. Old French arguerbor. Middle English arguen English argue From Middle English arguen, from Old French arguer, from Latin arguere (“to declare, show, prove, make clear, reprove, accuse”), q.v. for more. Displaced native Old English flītan and reċċan.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.