argue

verb

AHR-gyoo/ˈɑɹ.ɡju/UKAH-gyoo/ˈɑː.ɡjuː/

Formsargues, arguing, argued

6 meanings of argue

1
verbintransitive
To disagree with someone, often in an angry or upset way.
Like two kids fighting over who gets the front seat.
My brothers argue about whose turn it is on the computer.
They were arguing loudly in the kitchen last night.
Similarbicker, wrangle, altercate
Oppositeagree
Note
2
verbintransitive
To talk about something with people who do not agree, each giving reasons.
Like two friends who each back a different team and won't back down.
The students argue about which movie is the best of the year.
Lawmakers argued for hours over the new rule.
Similardebate, disagree, dispute, contend
Oppositeagree, concur
Note
3
verbtransitive
To give reasons for an idea so that other people will believe it.
Like a salesperson explaining why you should buy something.
The lawyers argue their case before the judge.
She argued the opposite view in her essay.
Similarcontend, maintain, claim, assert, plead
Note
4
verbtransitive
To give a good reason to believe that something is true.
Like dark clouds that tell you rain is coming.
The broken lock argues that someone forced the door open.
These results argue for a careful approach.
Similarindicate, suggest, imply, show
Note

Less common meanings

5
verbobsoletetransitive
To show clearly that something is true and prove it.
Note
6
verbobsoletetransitive
To say that someone has done something wrong and to blame them.
Like pointing at someone and saying they broke the window.
They argued him of cowardice before the whole court.
The villagers argue her of theft without any proof.
Note

Practice

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Origin

It came through Old French from the Latin word arguere, which meant to show, prove, or accuse.