2 entries under this word
v. i. [imp. & p. p. ARGUED; p. pr. & vb. n. ARGUING.] [Lat. arguere, Fr. arguer, Pr. & Sp. arguir, It. arguire.] 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.
Sense 2. To contend in argument; to dispute; to reason;—followed by with; as, you may argue with your friend without convincing him.
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; to manifest by inference or deduction, or to show reasons for. So many laws argue so many sins. Milton.
Thoughts and expressions . . . which can be truly argued of obscenity, profaneness, or immorality. Dryden. Syn.—To reason; evince; discuss; debate; expostulate; remonstrate.—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 contend for and against, or to interchange arguments in a somewhat formal manner. 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.