online argument
1
3.4
- noun
- Texting
- Anybody -- and I do mean anybody -- who escalates an online argument into offline activity is taking it way too seriously.
Examples
-
They had a heated online argument regarding their differing opinions on climate change.
-
His online argument over the latest movie turned into a lengthy debate in the comments section.
-
She got into an online argument about politics on social media with several strangers.
Synonyms
∞
2.0
A formal discussion where opposing sides argue about a topic
∞
1.4
A conversation where people share ideas and opinions to decide or understand
687
2.3
A disagreement between people that is often angry
490
4.9
A long public disagreement that causes strong arguments between people
482
2.3
A serious disagreement between people or groups over ideas
345
3.0
A serious argument about something important that lasts a long time
298
2.4
A strong argument between people or groups, often public
37
3.5
A situation where two or more people disagree about something important
28
6.5
A strong disagreement between people or groups
16
3.5
An argument with strong feelings and different opinions
15
3.0
A discussion among many people and the media about an issue in newspapers, TV, and online
8
3.5
A strong angry disagreement between people with loud voices
1
3.8
A discussion that shows two opposite views
1
9.9
A noisy argument between people about a small issue
1
7.8
A bitter, angry argument that causes hard feelings
How Heated
- Offensive
7
7.8
345
3.0
- Texting
1
3.4
- Formal
∞
2.0
∞
1.4
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is a straightforward modifier+noun combination: 'online' specifies the medium (on the internet) and 'argument' denotes a disagreement, so the meaning 'a disagreement that takes place on the internet' is directly derivable from its parts. This compositional pattern is common and predictable across languages and follows normal English semantics, so a B1 learner who knows both words will readily understand it.
Etymology
Online argument joins online, meaning connected on the internet, and argument, meaning a fight of words; imagine people at different computers shouting into the same chat thread. So, it means 'a disagreement on the internet'.