argue

To discuss different opinions, often while feeling angry.

• Please stop arguing.
• We argued about the best route home.
• Do you often argue with your parents?

How to use it: argue with someone (I argued with my brother yesterday.); argue about/over something (They argue about money every week.)

Similar words: quarrel, disagree

Opposites: agree

Common phrases: argue with someone, argue about something, argue over something

To give reasons why an idea is right or why something should happen.

• She argued her case clearly.
• He argues that everyone deserves a fair chance.
• They argued for better public transport.

How to use it: argue that… (She argued that the rules were unfair.); argue for/against something (He argued against closing the library.)

Similar words: maintain, contend

Common phrases: argue a case, argue for something, argue against something

To provide evidence that something is true or necessary.

• The figures argue for caution.
• His quick recovery argues against a serious illness.
• These repeated failures argue that the system needs replacing.

How to use it: argue for/against something (These results argue for a change in policy.); argue that… (The evidence argues that the treatment works.)

Similar words: indicate, suggest, imply

Common phrases: argue for something, argue against something