Argue \Ar"gue\, v. t.
1. To debate or discuss; to treat by reasoning; as, the
counsel argued the cause before a full court; the cause
was well argued.
2. To prove or evince; too manifest or exhibit by inference,
deduction, or reasoning.
So many laws argue so many sins. --Milton.
3. To persuade by reasons; as, to argue a man into a
different opinion.
4. To blame; to accuse; to charge with. [Obs.]
Thoughts and expressions . . . which can be truly
argued of obscenity, profaneness, or immorality.
--Dryden.
Syn: to reason; evince; discuss; debate; expostulate;
remonstrate; controvert.
Usage: To Argue, Dispute, Debate. These words, as here
compared, suppose a contest between two parties in
respect to some point at issue. To argue is to adduce
arguments or reasons in support of one's cause or
position. To dispute is to call in question or deny
the statements or arguments of the opposing party. To
debate is to strive for or against in a somewhat
formal manner by arguments.
Men of many words sometimes argue for the sake
of talking; men of ready tongues frequently
dispute for the sake of victory; men in public
life often debate for the sake of opposing the
ruling party, or from any other motive than the
love of truth. --Crabb.
Unskilled to argue, in dispute yet loud, Bold
without caution, without honors proud.
--Falconer.
Betwixt the dearest friends to raise debate.
--Dryden.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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