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argument

argument

5 7.8
A short summary of a story or poem that appears before the text
  • noun
  • /ˈɑrɡjʊmənt/
  • Literature
translation icon : argumento
  • 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

précis
vsargument
  • Formal
1 8.2

A short clear summary of the main points of a text or speech

focuses specifically on a literary work's plot or subject
literary argument
vsargument
7.1

A short summary of the plot at the start of a poem, play or book

is the general label for that opening summary

Idioms

A view that disagrees with your opinion in a discussion

A small weakness in someone's reasons that other people can use

Compounds

A strong angry disagreement between people with loud voices

A reason or group of reasons that make sense and are clear

The most important point someone makes in a discussion or essay

A set of clear reasons that show why an idea is true or false

1 8.5

A reason that seems good but is actually wrong

The main point someone makes in a discussion

A set of reasons that cannot be shown wrong

A reason that is weak and not supported by evidence

A small disagreement about something unimportant

A bitter, angry argument that causes hard feelings

Facts or reasons you use to support a point

8.2

A reason that seems simple but is shallow and not careful

A short summary of the plot at the start of a poem, play or book

The most important point people discuss in a disagreement

An argument that acts doubtful but ignores real evidence

online argument
  • Texting
3.4

A disagreement on the internet, often in social media or forums

The main point of a discussion or argument

The main idea that connects the points someone makes

An argument that has no real power to convince people

A discussion that shows two opposite views

valid argument
  • Specialized
4.8

A value given to a computer program or function that meets required rules

How Detailed

treatment
  • Jargon
119 4.4
synopsis
23 4.7
argument
  • Literature
5 7.8
summary
397 2.7
outline
59 2.7

Surface Forms

argument singular
arguments plural

Morphology

argument = argue (semi-transparent) = argue + ment

The literary sense 'summary of the plot' is a specialized but related meaning of the nominalization and may not be obvious to all learners.

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.