Argument Answers

n.

1. 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).
2. 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.
3. 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).
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 argument, dispute, controversy. 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.

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