# argumentative

/ˌɑɹɡjəˈmɛntətɪv/ (US) · /ˌɑːɡjuːmˈɛntətˌɪv/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/argumentative
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. prone to disagreeing

adjective · CEFR B2

often disagreeing with people or liking to start arguments.

For teachers: tending to argue or be fond of disputing; often carries a negative connotation regarding a person's temperament.

- He became very argumentative after a few drinks and started shouting at his friends.
- The manager found the new employee difficult to train because he was reflexively argumentative whenever he received constructive feedback.

### 2. using logic and reasoning

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

showing a clear line of reasoning to prove an idea.

For teachers: relating to or characterized by the presentation of logical arguments or formal reasoning.

- The students had to write an argumentative essay about the benefits of renewable energy.
- The professor praised the student's argumentative rigour, noting that each claim was supported by empirical evidence and sound logical transitions.

## Examples

- He is very argumentative and always wants to prove he is right.
- The debate became increasingly argumentative when one side refused to acknowledge the evidence presented by the other.
- While the author's argumentative style is intended to provoke critical thinking, it often alienates readers who prefer a more collaborative approach to academic discourse.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.