Search the Dictionary

an argument from the cause to the effect; an a priori argument. Johnson.

h compose a sentence, the tones of a tune, or the simple propositions which enter into an argument. It is opposed to synthesis.

te of a thing; to make of no effect; to destroy the force, etc., of; as, to annihilate an argument, law, rights, goodness.

k or write in return to, as in return to a call or question, or to a speech, declaration, argument, or the like; to reply to (a question, remark, etc.); to respond to. She answers him as if she knew his mind. Shak. So spake the apostate angel, though in pain: . . . And him thus answered soon his bold compeer. Milton.…

Capable of being answered or refuted; admitting a satisfactory answer. The argument, though subtle, is yet answerable. Johnson.

to cause to occur earlier or prematurely; as, the advocate has anticipated a part of his argument.

An argument retorted on an opponent. Milton.

An indirect argument which proves a thing by showing the impossibility or absurdity of the contrary.

Defending by words or arguments; said or written in defense, or by way of apology; regretfully excusing; as, an apologetic essay. "To speak in a subdued and apologetic tone." Macaulay.

To suit; to agree; to have some connection, agreement, or analogy; as, this argument applies well to the case.

ery applicable; well adapted; suitable or fit; relevant; pat; -- followed by to; as, this argument is very apposite to the case. -- Ap"po*site*ly, adv. -- Ap"po*site*ness, n.

vent and offer reasons to support or overthrow a proposition, opinion, or measure; to use arguments; to reason. I argue not Against Heaven's hand or will. Milton.

ed; not indigenous; not of spontaneous growth; as, artificial grasses. Gibbon. Artificial arguments (Rhet.), arguments invented by the speaker, in distinction from laws, authorities, and the like, which are called inartificial arguments or proofs. Johnson. -- Artificial classification (Science), an arrangement based o…

nstitutions; to attack by words, hostile influence, etc.; as, to assail one with appeals, arguments, abuse, ridicule, and the like. The papal authority . . . assailed. Hallam. They assailed him with keen invective; they assailed him with still keener irony. Macaulay.

A violent onset or attack with moral weapons, as words, arguments, appeals, and the like; as, to make an assault on the prerogatives of a prince, or on the constitution of a government. Clarendon.

Affirming; maintaining. Arguments . . . assertory, not probatory. Jer. Taylor. An assertory, not a promissory, declaration. Bentham. A proposition is assertory, when it enounces what is known as actual. Sir W. Hamilton.

The regular term of a court of law, or the full court sitting to hear arguments upon questions of law, as distinguished from a sitting at Nisi Prius, or a court held for jury trials. See Banc. Burrill.

(Law). See Blank. -- Case at bar (Law), a case presently before the court; a case under argument. -- In bar of, as a sufficient reason against; to prevent. -- Matter in bar, or Defence in bar, a plea which is a final defense in an action. -- Plea in bar, a plea which goes to bar or defeat the plaintiff's action ab…

To put on a base or basis; to lay the foundation of; to found, as an argument or conclusion; -- used with on or upon. Bacon.

as to be proved in a discussion, instead of adducing the proof or sustaining the point by argument. -- To go a-begging, a figurative phrase to express the absence of demand for something which elsewhere brings a price; as, grapes are so plentiful there that they go a-begging.