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adjective

argumentative

ahg-yuu-MEHN-tuh-tihv

Argumentative (adjective) means tending to argue or disagree, often over small things. Example: “He gets argumentative whenever anyone questions his plans.”

adjective
1
Tending to argue or disagree, often over small things.
"He gets argumentative whenever anyone questions his plans."
2
Relating to or presenting a structured argument.
"The essay uses an argumentative style to build its case."

How to use argumentative

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither someone quarrelsome, or writing/speech built around making a case.

Common pairings
argumentative essay argumentative tone

Word forms

more argumentative comparative, most argumentative superlative

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He gets _____ whenever anyone questions his plans.

Etymology

From Latin argumentum plus -ive, via Old French argumentatif.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for argumentative

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Frequently asked questions

What does “argumentative” mean?

The word “argumentative” means tending to argue or disagree, often over small things. In plain terms, either someone quarrelsome, or writing/speech built around making a case.

How do you pronounce “argumentative”?

“Argumentative” is pronounced ahg-yuu-MEHN-tuh-tihv (/ˌɑɹɡjəˈmɛn(t)ətɪv/ in IPA).

How do you use “argumentative” in a sentence?

Here is “argumentative” used in a sentence: “He gets argumentative whenever anyone questions his plans.”

What part of speech is “argumentative”?

“Argumentative” is an adjective.

Where does the word “argumentative” come from?

The word “argumentative” comes from Latin. From Latin argumentum plus -ive, via Old French argumentatif.

How many meanings does “argumentative” have?

“Argumentative” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: tending to argue or disagree, often over small things.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial