argument
1
7.8
- noun
- /ˈɑrɡjʊmənt/
- Literature
- As unemployment numbers slowly came down, Romney's economic argument started to fall on deaf ears.
- summary of the argument
Examples
-
Among other things, it contains Diderot's summary of an argument he had with two friends, Suard and Mme. d'Houdetot.
Academic text (1996) -
The argument at the beginning of the novel effectively sets the stage for the events that follow.
-
The background to my argument is as follows.
Academic text (2005) -
We model what it is to put together an argument about a literary work.
-
The second reason for this opening excursus on the philosophy of history forms the central argument of this paper.
Academic text (2005) -
MARY: The poem's argument is wrong, but its song is true.
Fiction book (2002) -
As I was first reading through the argument, I recall thinking that part of Plantinga's argument was ignored.
Blog text (24) -
Although widely regarded as factual, this argument is particularly hard to evaluate.
Academic text (2010) -
In the book, the argument provides a concise overview of the main themes explored by the author.
-
Before diving into the analysis, the argument summarizes the poet's intentions and key messages.
Synonyms
A short summary of the plot at the start of a poem, play or book
A short clear summary of the main points of a text or speech
Idioms
- Informal
A small weakness in someone's reasons that other people can use
Compounds
- Specialized
1
4.8
A value given to a computer program or function that meets required rules
How Detailed
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Argument can also mean a short 'summary' of a story, and this meaning comes from the Latin argumentum meaning 'summary' or 'that which shows'. So an argument before a book or play is a few lines that show the main plot.