Argue
/ˈɑːrɡjuː/noun
To give reasons for or against something, often in a disagreement.
Did you know?The Latin verb arguere meant both “to prove” and “to accuse,” linking argument with the act of revealing evidence or exposing guilt.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂erǵ-
“To shine or be bright; the reconstructed root behind later words connected with silver and clarity”
Ancient Greek
Greek
argyros
“Silver; literally associated with brightness or shining whiteness”
Classical Latin
Latin
arguere
“To make clear, prove, demonstrate, or accuse”
Medieval Latin
Latin
argutari
“To dispute or argue, developing the sense of verbal contention”
14th Century
Middle English
arguen
“To reason, prove, or dispute; borrowed through Old French argüer”
Modern English
English
argue
“To present reasons, debate, or quarrel”