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nub of the argument

nub of the argument

7.0
The most important point people discuss in a disagreement
  • noun
translation icon : núcleo del argumento
  • The lawyer skillfully identified the nub of the argument, focusing on the main issue at hand.

But let's get to the actual nub of the argument, right?

Examples

  • The sloppy manner that you refer to might in fact indicate more interest in the nub of the argument, and possibly more realistic conclusions as a result, than the form of presentation.

    Blog text (16)
  • In the debate, she emphasized the nub of the argument, which was about the impact of climate change on future generations.

  • To resolve the dispute, they needed to first address the nub of the argument rather than getting sidetracked by minor details.

Synonyms

point
vsnub of the argument
1.0

An item in an argument or on a list

is the single most important item among those mentioned here
gist
vsnub of the argument
46 4.6

The main point of what someone says or writes

is similar but used specifically for central ideas in debate
key point
vsnub of the argument
43 3.1

A main idea in a talk or report

is the single everyday label for the same central idea
crux
vsnub of the argument
34 7.5

The main point that decides what matters most in an issue

is a broader label used here for that central idea
focal point
vsnub of the argument
30 3.7

The main person, thing, or idea that gets most attention

is the conversational term for the main focus in discussion
the heart of the matter
vsnub of the argument
13 3.9

The most important part of a problem or discussion

is the general conversational term for that same central issue
nub
vsnub of the argument
6 6.7

The main point people argue about in a discussion

is the chosen conversational label rather than a different wording
main argument
vsnub of the argument
5 2.9

The most important point someone makes in a discussion or essay

is a broader conversational term for that principal claim
crux of the matter
vsnub of the argument
4 5.6

The most important part of a problem or discussion

is the general phrase used here for the same central idea
thrust of the argument
vsnub of the argument
1 5.6

The main point someone makes in a discussion

is the everyday phrase for that same central focus
pith of the argument
vsnub of the argument
  • Formal
7.5

The main point of a discussion or argument

is the common expression for that same central idea
home thrust
vsnub of the argument
9.4

The main point of an argument said in a strong way

is the neutral label for the same central claim without force
thread of an argument
vsnub of the argument
4.1

The main idea that connects the points someone makes

is a concise label for one clear central idea within that line

Antonyms

27 6.5

The outer edge of an area, group, or idea

6 3.2

A small point that is not important

How Central

crux
34 7.5
nub of the argument
7.0
point
1.0
side issue
5 4.1
minor detail
6 3.2

Surface Forms

Morphology

nub + of + the + argument

The phrase literally combines 'nub' (core or essential point) with 'of the argument' to specify the domain, so the overall meaning 'central point of the argument' is directly derivable from its parts. This straightforward noun + of-phrase composition follows common cross-linguistic patterns, making it readily understandable to a B1 learner who knows the constituent words.

Etymology

Nub of the argument comes from the word nub, which means a small hard lump or knob at the centre of something. Imagine the tiny core of a long discussion that holds the whole idea, so the phrase means 'the central or most important point'.