Academic Discourse

verb to give reasons or cite evidence in support of an idea, action, or theory, typically with the aim of persuading others to share one's view

• The lawyers will argue their case in court tomorrow.
• I heard Sarah and Tom arguing about politics at the party last night.
• Why are you always arguing with me about everything?
• The two sides of my conscience constantly argue over what is right and wrong.

noun A person who engages in formal argumentation or debate

• The debater presented a well-structured argument during the debate competition.
• The debater totally nailed their argument in the debate.
• That debater really slayed the debate with their points.
• The debater wielded their words like a skilled swordsman in the debate.

noun a disagreement or debate

verb to engage in argument or debate about something

adjective subject to disagreement or debate

• The ownership of the land is disputed between the two parties.
• There's a big dispute going on about who owns that piece of land.
• They're arguing over who really has claim to that land.
• The characters in the novel disputed over the true meaning of the author's words.

verb to challenge or attack as false or questionable

• The lawyer attempted to impugn the witness's credibility during cross-examination.
• She always tries to impugn my decisions, but I don't let it bother me.
• I dare you to impugn my reputation, I'll show you what I'm made of.
• The dark clouds seemed to impugn the sunny outlook of the day.

verb to give a speech or talk to an audience, typically in a formal or instructive manner

• The professor spent the entire class lecturing on the importance of ethics in business.
• My mom won't stop lecturing me about cleaning my room.
• I can't stand when my boss starts lecturing us about punctuality.
• The rain was relentless, lecturing the earth on the need for nourishment.

noun A minority opinion is a viewpoint held by a smaller percentage of people in a group or society.

• The minority opinion in the court case was well-argued but ultimately not adopted by the majority.
• His view was the minority opinion among his friends, but he stood by it confidently.
• I know my opinion is the minority opinion here, but I still think it's the right one.
• In a sea of conformity, her unique perspective stood out as a minority opinion.

noun a point or matter that is open to argument or debate, often rendered irrelevant due to circumstances or lack of practical significance

• The debate over the new policy became a moot point once the board approved it unanimously.
• Arguing about who should do the dishes is a moot point since we have a dishwasher.
• Whether to go out or stay in tonight is a moot point - let's just see where the night takes us.
• Trying to convince her to change her mind is a moot point; she's already made up her decision.

noun a type of literature that is written in verse; poetry

• The professor discussed the intricacies of poesy in classic literature.
• I've always enjoyed writing poesy in my free time.
• I never knew you were into that poesy stuff.
• Her dance was like a beautiful poesy, flowing and graceful.

verb to speak or express opinions in a pompous or dogmatic way

• The professor liked to pontificate on various philosophical topics during his lectures.
• My uncle loves to pontificate about politics at family gatherings.
• Don't listen to him, he's just pontificating again.
• The CEO's speech was filled with empty pontifications about company values.

noun a proposal or offer

verb to offer or present for acceptance

• The lawyer proffered a settlement offer to the opposing party.
• I'll proffer my help if you need assistance with your project.
• He proffered to cover the bill for our night out.
• She proffered her heart to him, hoping he would reciprocate her feelings.

verb to offer or present for acceptance

• The lawyer proffered a settlement offer to the opposing party.
• He proffered his help with fixing the car.
• She proffered to cover for her friend at work.
• The artist proffered his heart and soul into his latest masterpiece.