Argument vs. Debate: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 9, 2024
An argument is a discussion where individuals present opposing views, often emotionally charged, while a debate is a structured exchange of ideas on a particular issue, usually following formal rules.
Key Differences
An argument is typically an informal exchange where individuals present and defend their viewpoints, often spontaneously. A debate is a formal and structured discussion, with defined rules and roles for participants.
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Jan 09, 2024
Arguments often involve emotional responses and can become personal. Debates aim to be objective and focus on rational discourse rather than emotional expression.
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Jan 09, 2024
The primary goal of an argument is usually to prove one's point or convince the other party. The objective of a debate is to discuss different sides of an issue and may not necessarily seek a definitive conclusion.
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Jan 09, 2024
Arguments can occur in any setting and involve any number of participants without formal roles. Debates are often held in academic, political, or professional settings with participants having specific roles, such as proposer and opposer.
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Jan 09, 2024
Arguments may not always lead to a resolution or mutual understanding. Debates, through their structured nature, often conclude with a summary or evaluation of the points discussed.
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Jan 09, 2024
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Comparison Chart
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Argument and Debate Definitions
Argument
A discussion in which the parties involved express disagreement with one another; a debate
Philosophical arguments over the nature of existence.
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Dec 13, 2023
Debate
A regulated argument between two opposing viewpoints.
The debate team prepared for weeks for their competition against the rival school.
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Dec 18, 2023
Argument
An angry discussion involving disagreement among the participants; a quarrel
The roommates had an argument about whose turn it was to wash the dishes.
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Dec 13, 2023
Debate
A consideration of opposing arguments.
The debate in her mind about accepting the job offer was intense.
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Dec 18, 2023
Argument
(Archaic) A reason or matter for dispute or contention
"sheath'd their swords for lack of argument" (Shakespeare).
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Dec 13, 2023
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Debate
An argumentative contest in which affirmative and negative viewpoints are presented.
The presidential debate highlighted the candidates' differing policies.
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Dec 18, 2023
Argument
A course of reasoning aimed at demonstrating truth or falsehood
Presented a strong argument for the arts in education.
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Dec 13, 2023
Debate
The process of discussing a subject in a formal manner.
The debate in the city council focused on urban development plans.
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Dec 18, 2023
Argument
A fact or statement put forth as proof or evidence; a reason
The current low mortgage rates are an argument for buying a house now.
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Dec 13, 2023
Argument
A set of statements in which one follows logically as a conclusion from the others.
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Dec 13, 2023
Argument
A summary or short statement of the plot or subject of a literary work.
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Dec 13, 2023
Argument
A topic; a subject
"You and love are still my argument" (Shakespeare).
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Dec 13, 2023
Argument
The angle of a complex number measured from the positive horizontal axis.
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Dec 13, 2023
Argument
(Linguistics) A word, phrase, or clause in a semantic relation with a word or phrase and that helps complete the meaning of that word or phrase, such as a noun phrase that is the object of a verb. The clause that we go is an argument of the verb suggest in the sentence I suggest that we go.
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Dec 13, 2023
Argument
A series of propositions organized so that the final proposition is a conclusion which is intended to follow logically from the preceding propositions, which function as premises.
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Dec 13, 2023
Debate
A formal contest of argumentation in which two opposing teams defend and attack a given proposition.
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Dec 13, 2023
Argument
(countable) An abstract or summary of the content of a literary work such as a book, a poem or a major section such as a chapter, included in the work before the content itself; (figuratively) the contents themselves.
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Dec 13, 2023
Debate
An argument, or discussion, usually in an ordered or formal setting, often with more than two people, generally ending with a vote or other decision.
After a four-hour debate, the committee voted to table the motion.
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Dec 13, 2023
Argument
(countable) A verbal dispute; a quarrel.
The neighbours got into an argument about the branches of the trees that extended over the fence.
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Dec 13, 2023
Debate
An informal and spirited but generally civil discussion of opposing views.
The debate over the age of the universe is thousands of years old.
There was a bit of a debate over who should pay for the damaged fence.
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Dec 13, 2023
Argument
Any dispute, altercation, or collision.
Steve got in a physical argument with his neighbor and came away with a black eye.
While biking home, he got in an argument with the pavement.
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Dec 13, 2023
Debate
(uncountable) Discussion of opposing views.
There has been considerable debate concerning exactly how to format these articles.
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Dec 13, 2023
Argument
Any of the phrases that bears a syntactic connection to the verb of a clause.
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Dec 13, 2023
Debate
(frequently in the French form débat) A type of literary composition, taking the form of a discussion or disputation, commonly found in the vernacular medieval poetry of many European countries, as well as in medieval Latin.
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Dec 13, 2023
Debate
To participate in a debate; to dispute, argue, especially in a public arena.
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Dec 13, 2023
Argument
A quantity on which the calculation of another quantity depends.
The altitude is the argument of the refraction.
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Dec 13, 2023
Argument
A value, or a reference to a value, passed to a function.
Parameters are like labelled fillable blanks used to define a function whereas arguments are passed to a function when calling it, filling in those blanks.
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Dec 13, 2023
Argument
A parameter at a function call; an actual parameter, as opposed to a formal parameter.
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Dec 13, 2023
Debate
(transitive) To consider (to oneself), to think over, to attempt to decide
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Dec 13, 2023
Debate
To engage in combat for; to strive for.
Volunteers . . . thronged to serve under his banner, and the cause of religion was debated with the same ardor in Spain as on the plains of Palestine.
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Dec 13, 2023
Argument
The subject matter of an artistic representation, discourse, or writing; a theme or topic.
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Dec 13, 2023
Debate
To contend for in words or arguments; to strive to maintain by reasoning; to dispute; to contest; to discuss; to argue for and against.
A wise council . . . that did debate this business.
Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself.
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Dec 13, 2023
Debate
To engage in strife or combat; to fight.
Well could he tourney and in lists debate.
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Dec 13, 2023
Debate
To contend in words; to dispute; hence, to deliberate; to consider; to discuss or examine different arguments in the mind; - often followed by on or upon.
He presents that great soul debating upon the subject of life and death with his intimate friends.
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Dec 13, 2023
Debate
A fight or fighting; contest; strife.
On the day of the Trinity next ensuing was a great debate . . . and in that murder there were slain . . . fourscore.
But question fierce and proud replyGave signal soon of dire debate.
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Dec 13, 2023
Argument
Proof; evidence.
There is.. no more palpable and convincing argument of the existence of a Deity.
Why, then, is it made a badge of wit and an argument of parts for a man to commence atheist, and to cast off all belief of providence, all awe and reverence for religion?
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Dec 13, 2023
Debate
Contention in words or arguments; discussion for the purpose of elucidating truth or influencing action; strife in argument; controversy; as, the debates in Parliament or in Congress.
Heard, noted, answer'd, as in full debate.
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Dec 13, 2023
Argument
A reason or reasons offered in proof, to induce belief, or convince the mind; reasoning expressed in words; as, an argument about, concerning, or regarding a proposition, for or in favor of it, or against it.
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Dec 13, 2023
Argument
A process of reasoning, or a controversy made up of rational proofs; argumentation; discussion; disputation.
The argument is about things, but names.
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Dec 13, 2023
Debate
A discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal;
The argument over foreign aid goes on and on
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Dec 13, 2023
Argument
The subject matter of a discourse, writing, or artistic representation; theme or topic; also, an abstract or summary, as of the contents of a book, chapter, poem.
You and love are still my argument.
The abstract or argument of the piece.
[Shields] with boastful argument portrayed.
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Dec 13, 2023
Debate
The formal presentation of and opposition to a stated proposition (usually followed by a vote)
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Dec 13, 2023
Argument
Matter for question; business in hand.
Sheathed their swords for lack of argument.
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Dec 13, 2023
Debate
Argue with one another;
We debated the question of abortion
John debated Mary
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Dec 13, 2023
Argument
The quantity on which another quantity in a table depends; as, the altitude is the argument of the refraction.
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Dec 13, 2023
Debate
Think about carefully; weigh;
They considered the possibility of a strike
Turn the proposal over in your mind
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Dec 13, 2023
Argument
The independent variable upon whose value that of a function depends.
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Dec 13, 2023
Argument
A fact or assertion offered as evidence that something is true;
It was a strong argument that his hypothesis was true
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Dec 13, 2023
Debate
A formal discussion on a particular topic in a public meeting or legislative assembly.
The debate on climate change policy was broadcasted nationally.
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Dec 18, 2023
Argument
A contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement;
They were involved in a violent argument
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Dec 13, 2023
Argument
A discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal;
The argument over foreign aid goes on and on
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Dec 13, 2023
Argument
A summary of the subject or plot of a literary work or play or movie;
The editor added the argument to the poem
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Dec 13, 2023
Argument
A variable in a logical or mathematical expression whose value determines the dependent variable; if f(x)=y, x is the independent variable
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Dec 13, 2023
Argument
A verbal exchange expressing opposing views.
Their argument about environmental policies became quite heated.
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Dec 18, 2023
Argument
A reason or set of reasons given to persuade others that an action or idea is right or wrong.
She presented a compelling argument for changing the company's strategy.
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Dec 18, 2023
Argument
An exchange of diverging or opposite views, typically a heated or angry one.
The argument over dinner about politics left everyone upset.
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Dec 18, 2023
Argument
A coherent series of reasons, statements, or facts intended to support or establish a point of view.
His argument for adopting renewable energy was based on extensive research.
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Dec 18, 2023
Argument
A disagreement or debate.
The argument between the two friends about the movie's ending lasted hours.
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Dec 18, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What skills are essential for effective debating?
Critical thinking, public speaking, and logical reasoning are key skills for debating.
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Jan 09, 2024
What is the format of a formal debate?
A formal debate has a structured format, often with timed speeches and specific rules.
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Jan 09, 2024
How important is evidence in a debate?
Evidence is crucial in a debate to support claims and strengthen arguments.
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Jan 09, 2024
Do arguments always involve anger or hostility?
No, arguments can occur without anger, though they often involve strong emotions.
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Jan 09, 2024
What is the importance of rebuttals in a debate?
Rebuttals are important in debates to counter opposing arguments and strengthen one's position.
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Jan 09, 2024
What typically triggers an argument?
An argument is often triggered by a disagreement or conflict in viewpoints.
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Jan 09, 2024
Can arguments be constructive?
Yes, arguments can be constructive if they are respectful and aim to understand different perspectives.
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Jan 09, 2024
How is a debate judged?
Debates are often judged based on the clarity, logic, and persuasiveness of arguments.
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Jan 09, 2024
How do arguments differ in professional and personal contexts?
Professional arguments are typically more structured and objective, unlike personal arguments which can be emotional.
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Jan 09, 2024
Can arguments be avoided?
Arguments can be minimized but not always avoided, especially in matters of opinion.
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Jan 09, 2024
Do all debates have a winner?
Not all debates are competitive; some aim to explore different viewpoints rather than declare a winner.
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Jan 09, 2024
Can arguments be beneficial?
Yes, arguments can be beneficial for exploring and understanding different viewpoints.
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Jan 09, 2024
Can an argument lead to a resolution?
Arguments can lead to resolutions, though not always, especially if emotions run high.
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Jan 09, 2024
Is it possible to argue without being confrontational?
Yes, arguing can be done respectfully and without confrontation.
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Jan 09, 2024
Can debates influence public opinion?
Yes, debates, especially in political contexts, can significantly influence public opinion.
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Jan 09, 2024
What role do moderators play in debates?
Moderators facilitate debates, ensuring rules are followed and managing time.
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Jan 09, 2024
Are personal attacks common in arguments?
Personal attacks can occur in arguments but are discouraged in constructive discourse.
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Jan 09, 2024
Are facts always central to debates?
While facts are important, the interpretation and presentation of these facts are key in debates.
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Jan 09, 2024
What is the primary goal of a debate?
The primary goal of a debate is to discuss and evaluate different sides of an issue.
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Jan 09, 2024
How do emotions affect arguments?
Emotions can intensify arguments and sometimes hinder logical reasoning.
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Jan 09, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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