/ ˈɑːgjuː; NAmE ˈɑːrg-/ verb
1.
[ v ] argue (with sb) (about / over sth) to speak angrily to sb because you disagree with them :
My brothers are always arguing.
We're always arguing with each other about money.
I don't want to argue with you—just do it!
2.
argue (for / against sth) | argue (for / against doing sth) to give reasons why you think that sth is right / wrong, true / not true, etc., especially to persuade people that you are right :
[ v ]
They argued for the right to strike.
[ vn ]
She argued the case for bringing back the death penalty.
He was too tired to argue the point (= discuss the matter) .
a well-argued article
[ v that ]
He argued that they needed more time to finish the project.
[ vn that ]
It could be argued that laws are made by and for men.
[also v wh- ]
3.
[ vn ] ( formal ) to show clearly that sth exists or is true :
These latest developments argue a change in government policy.
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IDIOMS
- argue the toss
•
PHRASAL VERBS
- argue sb into / out of doing sth
- argue with sth
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French arguer , from Latin argutari prattle, frequentative of arguere make clear, prove, accuse.