/ ˈɑːgjumənt; NAmE ˈɑːrg-/ noun
1.
[ C , U ] argument (with sb) (about / over sth) a conversation or discussion in which two or more people disagree, often angrily :
We had an argument with the waiter about the bill.
She got into an argument with the teacher.
to win / lose an argument
After some heated argument a decision was finally taken.
2.
[ C ] argument (for / against sth) | argument (that ... ) a reason or set of reasons that sb uses to show that sth is true or correct :
There are strong arguments for and against euthanasia.
His argument was that public spending must be reduced.
Her main argument was a moral one.
3.
[ U ] argument (about sth) the act of disagreeing in a conversation or discussion using a reason or set of reasons :
Let's assume for the sake of argument (= in order to discuss the problem) that we can't start till March.
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (in the sense process of reasoning ): via Old French from Latin argumentum , from arguere make clear, prove, accuse.