Debating Techniques

noun a discussion involving differing points of view; debate

• The two scholars engaged in a heated argument over the interpretation of the ancient text.
• I overheard an argument between two coworkers about whose turn it was to clean the break room.
• I got into a big argument with my friend last night, but we made up this morning.
• The argument between light and darkness raged on, each side fighting for dominance.

adjective expressing or implying contradiction; inconsistent; logically opposite

• The witness gave contradictory statements during the trial, causing confusion among the jury.
• She always says one thing and does another, it's so contradictory.
• I can't keep up with his contradictory behavior, it's so annoying.
• The painting's use of contradictory colors created a sense of chaos and imbalance.

noun a fact or argument that proves something to be false or incorrect

• The scientist presented solid evidence as a disproof of the previous theory.
• She totally shut down his argument with that disproof.
• He dropped the mic with that disproof!
• Her disproof was like a wrecking ball to his argument.

adjective fallacious - containing a mistake in logic; deceptive or misleading

• The argument presented by the defense attorney was fallacious and lacked evidence.
• Don't believe everything you hear, some of it may be fallacious.
• That website is full of fallacious information, don't trust it.
• Her promises turned out to be fallacious, like a mirage in the desert.

verb to be valid or sound; to stand up to scrutiny or criticism

• The scientific evidence presented by the researcher seems to hold water.
• I'm not sure if his excuse will hold water with the boss.
• I don't think his story really holds water.
• The argument made by the politician doesn't really hold water.

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.

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause

• The committee voted in favor of the new policy proposal.
• I'm definitely in favor of going to the beach this weekend.
• I'm totally in favor of skipping class tomorrow.
• His actions spoke in favor of his true intentions.

adjective not apt or pertinent; unsuitable or inappropriate

• The use of that example was inapposite to the topic being discussed.
• Bringing up that point was totally inapposite to what we were talking about.
• Dude, that was so off-topic, it was inapposite.
• His attempt at humor was inapposite, like a square peg in a round hole.

adjective undeniable or impossible to dispute

• The evidence presented in court was indisputable, leading to a unanimous verdict.
• It's pretty clear that she's the best candidate for the job, it's indisputable.
• There's no way you can argue with that, it's indisputable.
• His impact on the team's performance is indisputable, like a key piece of a puzzle.

adverb in a direct or obvious manner; clearly or explicitly

• She pointedly ignored his rude remarks during the meeting.
• He pointedly rolled his eyes when she mentioned her ex-boyfriend.
• She pointedly told him to mind his own business.
• His silence spoke pointedly about his disapproval of the decision.

noun a belief that something is true without having actual proof or evidence

adjective presumptuous (showing excessive confidence or boldness)

• The judge reminded the jury to not make any presumption of guilt without sufficient evidence.
• Don't jump to conclusions without knowing all the facts, it's just a presumption.
• People always make presumptions about others based on appearances, it's so frustrating.
• In the world of business, having a presumption of success can sometimes lead to taking unnecessary risks.

noun a slight objection or criticism

verb to argue or raise objections about a trivial matter

• The lawyers spent hours quibbling over the exact wording of the contract.
• Let's not quibble about who should do the dishes, just pick one and get it done.
• Stop quibbling and just go with the flow.
• She always finds a way to quibble about everything, even when it's not necessary.

noun the mental process of thinking about something in a logical way in order to form a conclusion or judgement

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• The professor's reasoning behind his theory was based on extensive research and analysis.
• I don't understand your reasoning for quitting your job out of the blue.
• Her reasoning for ghosting him was pretty shady if you ask me.
• The artist's reasoning for choosing such bold colors in her painting was to evoke strong emotions in the viewer.

adjective a word or phrase naming an attribute, added to or grammatically related to a noun to modify or describe it.

adverb a word or phrase that modifies or qualifies an adjective, verb, or other adverb or a word group, expressing a relation of place, time, circumstance, manner, cause, degree, etc.

• The scientist presented a refutable hypothesis that could be tested through experimentation.
• I don't think his argument is refutable, it just doesn't make sense.
• Her claim was so outlandish, it was easily refutable.
• His beliefs were so deeply ingrained, they seemed almost refutable to him.

noun a matter that is not considered to be of primary importance

• The main focus of the meeting should not be diverted by discussing a side issue.
• Let's not get sidetracked by talking about that side issue during the presentation.
• Don't sweat the small stuff, that side issue is not worth our time.
• Addressing that side issue is like chasing a rabbit down a hole - it will lead us away from the main goal.

adjective relating to or characteristic of sophistry, especially being deceptive or misleading in argumentation

• The lawyer used a sophistical argument to try to win the case.
• I don't trust his sophistical reasoning.
• She always comes up with some sophistical excuse to get out of trouble.
• His sophistical web of lies eventually caught up with him.

adjective deceptively attractive or seemingly plausible but fallacious

• The specious argument presented by the defense attorney was quickly dismantled by the prosecution.
• Don't fall for his specious excuses, he's just trying to avoid taking responsibility.
• Her specious reasoning was so off-base, I couldn't even follow what she was trying to say.
• The specious promises of easy money turned out to be nothing but a scam.

noun a person or thing that is the object of a reaction or feeling

verb to disagree or challenge something

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause

• The lawyer decided to take exception to the judge's ruling and filed an appeal.
• I always take exception when someone criticizes my favorite sports team.
• She really took exception to his comment and gave him a piece of her mind.
• The artist took exception to the gallery's decision to display her painting in a less prominent spot.

noun the practice of making apologies or expressing regret

• His constant apologism for the company's unethical practices was starting to wear thin with the board members.
• I'm getting tired of his apologism every time he messes up.
• Stop with the apologism, just admit you were wrong.
• Her apologism for his behavior was like trying to defend a sinking ship.

adverb in a way that is contrary to reason or common sense

• The argument was refuted ab absurdo by pointing out the flaws in its logic.
• He tried to prove his point ab absurdo, but no one was convinced.
• She shut down his theory ab absurdo with a simple counterexample.
• The artist's painting challenged viewers to interpret it ab absurdo, leaving them puzzled and intrigued.

noun a Latin phrase meaning 'to the point of absurdity', often used in logic and argumentation to demonstrate the absurdity of a certain claim or argument

• The philosopher argued his point ad absurdum, using logical reasoning to show the flaw in his opponent's argument.
• She took his joke ad absurdum, laughing until tears streamed down her face.
• The internet meme took the concept ad absurdum, turning a simple idea into a viral sensation.
• The artist pushed the boundaries of reality ad absurdum, creating a surreal masterpiece.