argument

- definition

What are red words?

90% of the time, speakers of English use just 7,500 words in speech and writing. These words appear in red, and are graded with stars. One-star words are frequent, two-star words are more frequent, and three-star words are the most frequent.

Thesaurus

The thesaurus of synonyms and related words is fully integrated into the dictionary entries. Click on the T button in an entry to review the synonyms and related words for that meaning.

noun

/ˈɑː(r)ɡjʊmənt/

singular	argument
plural	arguments

Other entries for this word

Related dictionary definitions

Metaphor

1
[countable] an angry disagreement between people
a heated argument (=extremely angry disagreement)
without an argument:
They won't accept higher prices without an argument.
have an argument (with someone):
I've had an argument with my girlfriend.
get into an argument (with someone):
Every time we visit my family, he gets into an argument with my sister.
argument about/over:
I try to avoid arguments about money.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of argument
1. a.
  a discussion or debate between people with different views, opinions etc
  win/lose an argument:
  We can win this argument if we present the facts clearly.
  argument about/over:
  The party is involved in an argument over economic policy.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of argument
2
[countable/uncountable] a reason or set of reasons that you use for persuading other people to support your views, opinions etc
The Court of Appeal rejected her arguments.
His main argument is stated in the opening chapter.
argument for/against:
There are powerful arguments against releasing them from prison.
You could make an argument for working shorter hours.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of argument

Metaphor: argument

Metaphor

An argument is like a fight or war, with people attacking each other's opinions and defending their own.

She tried to defend herself against his attacks on her ideas.
She shot down his argument.
That is an indefensible point of view.
I decided to pursue another line of attack.
We had a big fight last night, and I went home early.
There was a lot of conflict over what to do next.
They clashed over who to appoint.
It was a real battle of wits.
We did battle with the council about the plans.
I've crossed swords with them before.
Tom is always the first to leap to her defence.

➡ angry, criticize, idea

This is the British English definition of argument. View American English definition of argument.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to American English.

View the pronunciation for argument.

cyberloafing

using the Internet where you work, during working hours, for activities which are not work-related

BuzzWord Article

More BuzzWords

BuzzWord archive

Word of the Day

dark matter

a substance that scientists think exists out in space, but for which they have no direct proof

Open Dictionary

show a bit of ankle

… to reveal a small part of your intentions in order to attract support, without actually committing yourself to doing anything

add a word

More submissions

view entries

Blog

A must for anyone with an interest in the changing face of language. The Macmillan Dictionary blog explores English as it is spoken around the world today.

global English and language change from our blog