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pith of the argument

pith of the argument

7.5
The main point of a discussion or argument
  • noun
  • Formal
translation icon : núcleo del argumento
  • The lawyer skillfully highlighted the pith of the argument in her closing statement.

Examples

  • If we focus on the pith of the argument, we can resolve this disagreement faster.

  • Can you summarize the pith of the argument?

  • He explained the pith of the argument to ensure everyone understood the main point.

  • The pith of the argument is clearly stated.

  • He explained the pith of the argument to ensure everyone understood the main point.

  • If we focus on the pith of the argument, we can resolve this disagreement faster.

  • The lawyer skillfully highlighted the pith of the argument in her closing statement.

Synonyms

key point
vspith of the argument
43 3.1

A main idea in a talk or report

is the single most central idea rather than one of many
crux
vspith of the argument
34 7.5

The main point that decides what matters most in an issue

is the central idea without implying it decides outcomes
the heart of the matter
vspith of the argument
13 3.9

The most important part of a problem or discussion

is the same central focus but used in argumentative contexts
nub
vspith of the argument
6 6.7

The main point people argue about in a discussion

is the same idea but used more broadly across contexts
main argument
vspith of the argument
5 2.9

The most important point someone makes in a discussion or essay

is the core point itself rather than the full claim set
crux of the matter
vspith of the argument
4 5.6

The most important part of a problem or discussion

is the broader central focus rather than a single decisive element
pith
vspith of the argument
1 7.7

The main part of an idea or argument

is used mainly for points within discussions rather than all ideas
thrust of the argument
vspith of the argument
1 5.6

The main point someone makes in a discussion

is the core idea rather than the general direction of thought
nub of the argument
vspith of the argument
7.0

The most important point people discuss in a disagreement

is the general central point not tied to debate wording
home thrust
vspith of the argument
9.4

The main point of an argument said in a strong way

is the central idea without implying forceful presentation

Antonyms

27 6.5

The outer edge of an area, group, or idea

How Central

crux
34 7.5
pith of the argument
  • Formal
7.5
point
1.0
detail
1.0

Surface Forms

Morphology

pith + of + the + argument

The meaning 'the central or most important point of an argument' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'pith' (the essential part) with 'of the argument' which specifies the domain; this follows a straightforward noun + of + noun composition. Although 'pith' is not highly frequent, if a B1 learner knows the constituent meanings the overall phrase is predictable and has close parallels in other languages, so it is transparent.

Etymology

Pith of the argument comes from pith, the soft centre inside a plant stem. Just as the pith is the inner, most important part of the plant, the pith of the argument is the main idea, so it means 'the most important point'.