Argumentative Vocabulary

adverb used to indicate that a particular point in a narrative or argument has been passed or to suggest that the speaker is returning to a previous topic

preposition used to indicate a particular point in an argument or statement

• At any rate, the committee decided to proceed with the project as planned.
• At any rate, we're still going to the concert tonight no matter what.
• I don't care what happens, at any rate, I'm outta here.
• The storm was approaching quickly, but at any rate, we had to keep moving forward.

adjective open to discussion or argument; not settled or decided

• The issue of climate change is highly debatable among scientists.
• Whether pineapple belongs on pizza is a debatable topic among friends.
• His fashion choices are definitely debatable.
• The interpretation of the painting is debatable among art critics.

noun a discussion between people in which they express different opinions about something

verb to argue about (a subject), especially in a formal manner

• The debate on climate change continues to be a hot topic among scientists and policymakers.
• We had a lively debate about which movie to watch tonight.
• I'm not getting into that debate with you, it's just not worth it.
• The debate between heart and mind rages on within me, trying to make a decision.

adverb used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems to contradict something that has been said previously

• The research shows promising results; however, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
• I really want to go to the concert; however, I have a lot of homework to do.
• I was going to go out with my friends tonight; however, I'm feeling lazy and just want to stay in.
• She wanted to trust him again; however, the wounds from the past were still too fresh.

adverb in spite of that; notwithstanding; all the same

conjunction in spite of that; notwithstanding; all the same

• The data shows a decrease in sales for the quarter; nevertheless, the company remains optimistic about future growth.
• I know it's risky, but I want to try bungee jumping nevertheless.
• I told him it was a bad idea, but he went ahead with it nevertheless.
• She had been hurt before, but she opened up her heart nevertheless.

adverb in spite of that; nevertheless

• The data shows a decrease in sales for the quarter, nonetheless, the company remains optimistic about future growth.
• I know it's been a tough week, but nonetheless, we should try to stay positive.
• I didn't get the job I wanted, but hey, nonetheless, life goes on.
• Like a diamond in the rough, she was flawed but nonetheless beautiful.

noun A word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea, in this case 'persuasive' can also be used as a noun to refer to someone who is skilled at persuading others.

adjective A word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun, in this case 'persuasive' describes something that is able to convince or influence others.

• The lawyer delivered a highly persuasive argument in court.
• She always knows how to make a persuasive case for getting what she wants.
• His pitch was so persuasive, I couldn't say no.
• The colors in the painting were so persuasive, they seemed to jump off the canvas.

noun a strong verbal or written attack on someone or something

adjective involving strongly critical, controversial, or disputatious writing or speech

• The author's latest book is a polemic against the current political system.
• I heard there was a big polemic at the town hall meeting last night.
• The debate turned into a real polemic, with people shouting and throwing insults.
• Her artwork was seen as a polemic against traditional beauty standards.

adjective relating to or involving strongly critical, controversial, or disputatious writing or speech

• The author's polemical writing style sparked a heated debate among scholars.
• His polemical rant on social media caused quite a stir.
• She always gets into polemical arguments with her classmates.
• The politician's polemical speech was like a verbal boxing match.

adjective showing strong feeling; forceful, passionate, or intense

• The lawyer made a vehement argument in court to prove his client's innocence.
• She was vehemently opposed to the idea of moving to a new city.
• The fans were vehement about their favorite team winning the championship.
• His love for her burned with a vehement intensity that could not be ignored.

verb to scold or rebuke someone harshly

• The teacher objurgated the student for not completing the assignment on time.
• My mom objurgated me for leaving dirty dishes in the sink.
• The coach objurgated the player for missing an easy shot during the game.
• The politician objurgated his opponent's policies during the debate.