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Glite Dictionary
to put up an argument

to put up an argument

3.7
To give reasons to support or oppose an idea
  • phrasal verb
translation icon : presentar un argumento
  • They always put up an argument whenever new rules are introduced.

Examples

  • During the debate, she decided to put up an argument in favor of environmental regulations.

  • Don't put up an argument without evidence!

  • Despite the criticism, she put up an argument for her design proposal.

  • He didn't put up an argument when asked to change teams.

  • She puts up an argument every time we discuss politics.

  • When the proposal was challenged, he was quick to put up an argument supporting his position.

  • The lawyer will put up an argument to defend her client's innocence in court.

Synonyms

to argue
vsto put up an argument
∞ 2.8

To give reasons to support or oppose an idea

leans more to presenting reasons specifically as opposition or defense
to defend
vsto put up an argument
691 2.8

To speak up to support a person or idea when others criticize it

is broader, including offering reasons whether in support or opposition
to contend
vsto put up an argument
  • Formal
97 4.6

Argue or claim that something is wrong, often in a formal process

is more about offering reasons publicly, often to oppose or defend
to protest
vsto put up an argument
93 2.8

To say firmly that you are not guilty

expresses the same opposition but focuses on presenting reasons rather than tone
to put forward
vsto put up an argument
65 3.2

To suggest an idea or plan for others to consider

focuses more on offering reasons specifically against or for something
to make a case
vsto put up an argument
59 3.7

To give reasons to support or oppose an idea

is about offering reasons often in opposition or as a defense
to build a case
vsto put up an argument
24 4.2

Gather and organize facts and evidence to support a claim or accusation

is the act of offering those reasons directly, often in opposition or defense
to put the case
vsto put up an argument
1 7.1

Give reasons for or against an idea

is similar but often framed as opposing or defending a view

Antonyms

to dismiss
332 3.0

To refuse to accept an idea or claim

How Persuasive

to put up an argument
3.7
to raise
∞ 3.2
to mention
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

put up an argument infinitive
put up an argument past
put up an argument past participle
putting up an argument present participle
puts up an argument third person singular

Morphology

put + up + an + argument

The sense 'to present or offer an argument' is partly derivable from 'put' (to place/express) plus 'up' (to raise/offer), so a learner who knows the words can plausibly infer the general idea. However, the specific phrasal-verb meaning is somewhat idiomatic and relies on collocational knowledge (compare 'put forward'), so it is not fully predictable without exposure.

Etymology

The phrase put up an argument may come from the image of putting up a sign or notice so people can see your point. That's why put up an argument means 'to present' or 'to defend' your reasons.