When you disagree with someone, do you refer to it as an argument or arguement? One of these spellings is correct, and the other is not. By this argument vs argument article’s end, you will quickly know the correct spelling.
An argument is a fact or statement that supports a reason or proposition. It refers to the process of reasoning featuring a series of organized propositions with an intended conclusion. This noun also refers to a verbal dispute or a quarrel. In contrast, arguement is a misspelling of argument.
The only difference between argument and arguement is the “e” in the second spelling. However, in English spelling, one letter can make a significant difference. Read on to determine what difference this letter has in this case, and much more.
Argument Vs Argument: Similarities In Relation To The Word “Argue”
Apart from their nearly exact spelling, another similarity between these words is that they come from the root verb “argue.” In English spellings, you can form a noun from a verb by adding the suffix “-ment” at the end of the verb. Therefore, the best way to understand the nouns formed from root verbs is to define the root verbs first. It is because their definitions are usually related.
To argue means “to present reasons that support or are against a thing or a subject.”
Another definition of “argue” is “to contend with someone in an oral dispute, a quarrel, or dispute.”
This verb also means “to persuade or drive by reasoning.” For example, “to argue someone out of a project.”
Another meaning is “to maintain in reasoning.” For example, “to argue that the report is incorrect.”
A simple meaning of ‘argue” is “to show, prove, or indicate.” For example, “Mark’s statements argue illiteracy.”
Definitions Of Argument And Argument
The term argument has multiple definitions that apply in different contexts or subjects. This section will cover all these definitions, plus the definitions of arguement.
Definitions Of Argument
An argument is a verbal disagreement, opposition, quarrel, or contention.
Another source defines an argument as “a series of propositions organized to create a logical flow towards a conclusion.” An argument is usually the premise of a conclusion or a final proposition.” An argument is also “a series of reasons” or “the process of reasoning.”
Another definition of an argument is “a discussion featuring different points of view,” like a debate. An argument is also “a matter being questioned,” like a business that engages in counterfeits.
In literature, an argument is “a composition in writing intended to persuade the reader.” It may also be the subject matter or theme of a piece of writing, like an article. In poetry or creative writing, an argument is an abstract containing the significant points in the piece of writing.
In mathematics, the word argument has several definitions:
- A function’s independent variable
- The angle a specific vector makes with the reference axis (the amplitude)
- The corresponding angle to a point denoting a specific complex number in polar coordinates
In computer programming, an argument is a variable in a comp program to which a value is assigned when running the program. The argument is usually given in parentheses after the function name. It also comes in handy when calculating the function.
In programming, an argument is an equal parameter as opposed to a formal parameter. In astronomy, an argument is a quantity on which another measure in a table depends.
The archaic definitions of an argument are:
- An evidence
- A subject of contention or quarrel
Definitions Of Arguement
Arguement is an obsolete spelling of argument. Other sources refer to this word as simply a misspelling of the word argument.
How To Properly Use Argument And Argument In A Sentence
Most people learn new words so they can enhance their vocabulary. Improving your vocabulary means using the words you learn in writing and verbal conversations. Below are some practical guidelines for how you can use the subject words of this article in sentences:
How To Use The Word Argument
Use this noun in a sentence to mean:
- An exchange of opposite points of view (in an argument or confrontation)
- A respectful exchange of diverging points of view (in a general or neutral conversation)
- A summary of a published material’s theme or subject matter
- A forceful statement of a belief about a fact
- Reasons that support an idea
- An objection about a trivial or important matter
- A field in computer programming or computing
- Evidence used in reporting
- An idea submitted for consideration
Argument is both a countable and an uncountable noun. Therefore, when using it in general contexts, refer to it as an uncountable noun without a plural form. On the other hand, when using it in specific contexts, like when referring to types or collections of arguments, you can use the plural form.
How To Use The Word Arguement
Since this is an incorrect spelling and is not in any dictionary, you should not use it in sentences. Instead, use the correct spelling above.
Argument And Argument: The Differences
The content above explains that argument and arguement are not similar words. They neither have the same meaning nor are their meanings related. Below are some key differences between these words:
The Spelling
The primary difference between these words is the “e” in the second spelling. This spelling is understandable because the root verb for these words is “argue.” Therefore, most people assume that it is correct to add the noun forming suffix “-ment” immediately after the word “argue” without omitting any letter.
While this may apply to some English words like amaze (amazement) and commence (commencement), it does not apply to the word argue. There is no specific explanation for why this is so because the rules for spelling and grammar in English have several exceptions.
The Origin
Also, the word argument comes from the old French word “arguement.” This explains why some sources refer to arguement as an archaic spelling of argument. In fact, the spelling “arguement” was popular and accepted in the 13th century in French.
In contrast, the first recorded use of the word argument was in the early 14th century. This word has Latin roots from the word “argumentum” and “arguer,” meaning “a logical argument, evidence, or to make clear or prove.”
List Of Examples Of Argument And Argument Use In Sentences
With the guidelines and definitions above, you can easily form sentences with the word argument. However, we saw it fit to give you some samples. Here are some excellent examples:
Example sentences of the word argument
- The students had a compelling argument on why they should attend the gala without chaperones.
- Mrs. Jones disapproved of the argument printed in the newspaper about her book.
- The argument between the Smith brothers forced their parents to move them out of the family’s primary residence.
- The argument between the sisters went on for hours because none of them would back down.
- The argument he presented to the court to defend his conduct got him in more hot water.
Example sentences of the word argument
- The arguement was not as clear as the poet thought. (INCORRECT)
- Jim and John could not stay in one room without an arguement erupting. (INCORRECT)
- The arguement erupted as soon as the opposing candidates took to the stage. (INCORRECT)
- The arguement would have become violent if the teacher had not intervened. (INCORRECT)
- The professor’s arguement is not convincing. (INCORRECT)
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Conclusion
Argument is the correct spelling, while arguement is an obsolete spelling. Therefore, you should only use “argument” in sentences. Now that you know this, feel free to construct sentences with this word.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.