Opinion and Argument - Argument and Reasoning

Here you will learn some English words related to argument and reasoning such as "support", "talking point", and "unarguably".

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Opinion and Argument

the process of logical thinking or reasoning

Ex: Ratiocination is an essential skill for scientists , allowing them to formulate hypotheses and draw logical conclusions from experimental data .

‌to gain advantage over others by doing or saying something that receives a positive reaction, especially in an argument

to try to prove that one is more clever than someone else by making witty remarks

to clearly indicate or highlight the structure, direction, or development of a speech, argument, or presentation

Ex: The essay was well signposted with clear headings and transitions .

‌the process of showing or understanding how something such as a speech or argument is organized or is going to develop

to slant [verb]

to interpret or present information with a subjective point of view or bias

Ex: The blogger was criticized for slanting their review .
sophist [noun]

someone that is skilled in devious argumentation

the use of clever but deceptive arguments intended to mislead

Ex: The article was full of sophistry , making flawed points seem convincing .

an unfair attempt to persuade someone by only giving them facts that are in line with one's point of view

to highlight insignificant details or small distinctions between two things

Ex: This may seem like splitting hairs but the distinction could be important

the judge's summary near the end of a trial in court, specifically to remind the jury of the evidence and the main arguments concerning the case

to briefly state the most important parts or facts of something

Ex: The teacher encouraged the students to sum up their findings in a brief paragraph .

to provide evidence or information in order to prove that something, especially a claim or idea is true

Ex: The journalist interviewed multiple sources to support her investigative report on political corruption .

to support an opinion, argument, theory, etc. or to prove it's credibility

Ex: The scientist provided data to sustain her theory about 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 .

a topic of interest, especially one that supports a particular argument that invites discussion

there [adverb]

regarding a specific issue or matter

Ex: She 's telling the truth there , but lies elsewhere .

(of an argument, policy, etc.) the main point that shows the main idea or intention of what someone is saying or doing

used when stating the first and foremost reason or point that needs to be mentioned or considered

Ex: To start with , I did n't have enough money to make the trip possible .
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.
unanswerable [adjective]

(of an argument or claim) impossible to refute or disagree with because of being clearly true

unarguably [adverb]

in a way that can not be disputed or disagreed with

unchallengeable [adjective]

(of a belief, idea, etc.) impossible to oppose or argue with

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

a set of opinions, motives, or ideas that serve as a foundation of an argument, claim, etc.

a flaw or imperfection in one's character that makes one vulnerable

while [conjunction]

despite the fact that; even though

Ex: While he faced numerous challenges , he never gave up on his dream .
whilst [conjunction]

used to indicate a contrast between two ideas or actions

Ex: He is outgoing , whilst his brother is shy .