Ar"gue (&?;), v. i. [imp. & p.
p. Argued (&?;); p. pr. & vb. n.
Arguing.] [OE. arguen, F. arguer, fr. L.
argutare, freq. of arguere to make clear; from the same root
as E. argent.] 1. To invent and offer reasons
to support or overthrow a proposition, opinion, or measure; to use
arguments; to reason.
I argue not
Against Heaven's hand or will.
Milton.
2. To contend in argument; to dispute; to reason; -
- followed by with; as, you may argue with your friend
without convincing him.
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. -- 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.
