Advanced Vocabulary for TOEFL - Argumentation

Here you will learn some English words about argumentation, such as "avow", "posit", "credulous", etc. that are needed for the TOEFL exam.

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Advanced Vocabulary for TOEFL
to avow [verb]

to publicly state that something is the case

Ex: The author avowed their dedication to promoting social justice in every piece of writing .

to officially resolve a disagreement between people

Ex: The HR manager was called upon to arbitrate the dispute between two employees .

to express if one is for or against an idea or arguement

Ex: The committee members were asked to come out and declare their support or opposition to the proposed changes .

to prove something or someone wrong or false through evidence or argumentation

Ex: The lawyer confuted the witness 's testimony with contradictory facts .

to estimate something using past experiences or known data

Ex: Economists use historical data to extrapolate potential impacts of policy changes on the market .

to insert a comment, remark, or question abruptly into a conversation

Ex: I tried to interject , but they were too deep in debate .
to opine [verb]

to express one's opinion

Ex: At the family gathering , relatives gathered around the table to opine on various topics , sharing their perspectives .

to state one's opinion in such a manner that shows one believes to be the only person to fully know it and be unarguably correct

Ex: She is pontificating about technology trends , believing her knowledge is superior .
to posit [verb]

to propose or assume something as true or factual, serving as the foundation for further reasoning or argumentation

Ex: The physicist posited the existence of parallel universes to explain certain phenomena observed in quantum mechanics .

to back up or form the basis of an argument by providing support

to be undecided and not know what opinion, idea, or course of action to stick to

Ex: They will be vacillating between various options before settling on a plan .
ad hominem [adjective]

(of an argument) directed against a person and not their point of view

bumptious [adjective]

too confident or proud in expressing oneself, in a way that is annoying to others

Ex: The bumptious young man interrupted everyone in the room with his unsolicited opinions .
credulous [adjective]

believing things easily even without much evidence that leads to being easy to deceive

Ex: Parents teach their children to be wary of strangers so they are n't too credulous and easily deceived .
dialectical [adjective]

referring to the method of argumentation or discourse that involves the exchange of opposing ideas or viewpoints in order to reach a deeper understanding or resolution

Ex: In dialectical discussions , participants strive to reconcile contradictions and reach a higher level of understanding .
intermediary [adjective]

acting as a conversation medium between two groups of people so they can create an argument

non-committal [adjective]

not expressing one's definite opinion or intention clearly, especially in an argument

polemic [adjective]

involving rational arguments to support or oppose an opinion, usually the opposite of others'

Ex: The book offered a polemic perspective against the mainstream theories .
vociferous [adjective]

expressing feelings or opinions, loudly and forcefully

Ex: The protestors were vociferous in their demands for justice , chanting slogans and waving signs .
airing [noun]

a public expression or discussion of opinions

aporia [noun]

a situation in which a theory or argument cannot be true because two or more parts of it are contradictory

the process or action of logical reasoning for persuading others

someone whose opinion changes in accordance with the situation

the practice of unsound reasoning and falsely arguing questions in a clever way

an agreement reached by all members of a group

Ex: The political parties struggled to find consensus on the controversial immigration policy .

the most important part of something on which its existence, success, or truth depends

Ex: The company 's commitment to innovation is the cornerstone of its success .

the art or practice of giving a speech or reciting a poem with expression and gestures, especially as an exercise for public speaking or performance

Ex: The actor 's declamation of Martin Luther King Jr. 's famous ' I Have a Dream ' speech moved the audience to tears with its heartfelt delivery .

the state in which one holds two opposing ideas at the same time

the ability to deliver a clear and strong message

Ex: The writer 's eloquence brought the characters and emotions vividly to life .
exponent [noun]

a supporter of a theory, belief, idea, etc. who tries to persuade others that it is true or good in order to gain their support

Ex: The senator is a prominent exponent of environmental protection laws .
gag [noun]

a limitation on freedom of speech or a restriction on dissemination of information

unwillingness to agree about something or change one's views

Ex: Despite repeated requests , her intransigence prevented any compromise .
maverick [noun]

an individual who thinks and behaves differently and independently

Ex: As a maverick , she challenged the status quo at every opportunity .
slant [noun]

a biased or subjective angle in presenting information, often reflecting personal or ideological viewpoints

Ex: The documentary offered a refreshing slant on climate change .

a form of deductive reasoning consisting of a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion that logically follows from them

Ex: Philosophers often use syllogisms to test the validity of their reasoning .
touche [interjection]

used humorously to show that someone has made a good point in an argument or discussion

Ex: Your critique of my argument's weak points was sharp, touché.

to involve someone in an argument, conflict, or complex situation

Ex: The journalist 's investigative report unintentionally embroiled several public figures in a controversy .