Argue

How to spell argue

5 letters · 2 syllables

How to pronounce argue

Say the part in capitals loudest.

What does argue mean?

1. verbTo exchange opposing views, often heatedly, or to give reasons for or against something.

Argue in a sentence

• The neighbours often argue about the boundary fence.

• The lawyers will argue the case before the panel tomorrow.

Where does argue come from?

Language of origin: Latin

This word entered English in the 1300s from Old French arguer, which traces back to the Latin verb arguere, meaning 'to make clear', 'to prove', or 'to assert'. The original Latin sense was closer to demonstrating or showing something to be true, and traces of that survive in the modern phrase 'this argues a point', meaning it provides evidence for it. Over time the everyday meaning drifted toward putting a case forcefully and, eventually, toward open disagreement and quarrelling. The related noun 'argument' came along the same route, which is why both keep the silent 'e' in 'argue' but drop it before adding the ending. The single 'g' followed by 'ue' is the usual spelling trap, since the word can feel as though it should carry a doubled letter.

How the word is built

• argu- (from Latin arguere: to make clear, prove, assert)
• -e