argumento
nounCEFR B2High frequency
What does “argumento” mean in English?
argument, line of reasoning — a reason or piece of evidence used to support or oppose a position
argument, line of reasoning — a reason or piece of evidence used to support or oppose a position (NOT a quarrel) (esgrimir/rebatir un argumento; el argumento a favor/en contra)
Example sentences
Los argumentos esgrimidos por la parte demandante no fueron suficientemente sólidos para convencer al tribunal.
The arguments put forward by the claimant were not sufficiently robust to convince the court.
El argumento más poderoso a favor de la energía nuclear es su baja huella de carbono en comparación con los combustibles fósiles.
The most powerful argument in favour of nuclear energy is its low carbon footprint compared to fossil fuels.
Para rebatir ese argumento, necesitas datos más recientes que los que has citado hasta ahora.
To rebut that argument, you need more recent data than the ones you have cited so far.
How to use it
El argumento (noun, masculine) means 'argument' in the intellectual/rhetorical sense — a reason, piece of evidence, or line of reasoning used to support or oppose a position. At B2 it is central to debate, essay writing, and analytical discourse. Core collocations: esgrimir/presentar/rebatir/reforzar un argumento; el argumento principal/de fondo; argumentos a favor/en contra; la línea argumental. Don't confuse with discusión/pelea (a quarrel — la discusión was heated = la discusión se acaloró) — argumento is purely about reasoning, not conflict.
Common mistake
Argumento (a reasoned argument/point) vs discusión (a discussion, or an argument/quarrel) vs debate (a structured exchange of views). English 'argument' can mean both a line of reasoning AND a quarrel — argumento only covers the reasoning. 'They had an argument' = Tuvieron una discusión (not *tuvieron un argumento).