Debating Terms

noun a doctrine that the existence of a god or gods is unknown and probably unknowable

• The philosopher's agnosticism led him to question the existence of a higher power.
• I respect your agnosticism, but I personally believe in a higher power.
• Some people think agnosticism is just sitting on the fence about religion.
• Her agnosticism towards the new restaurant was evident in her reluctance to try it.

adjective characterized by exhibiting a tendency to disagree or argue

• The professor appreciated the student's well-researched and argumentative essay.
• She always gets so argumentative when discussing politics with her brother.
• Why are you being so argumentative about it? Just chill out.
• The argumentative storm clouds gathered overhead as tensions rose in the meeting.

noun a statement or assertion that is the opposite of another statement

verb to assert the opposite of a statement or belief

• The witness's testimony seemed to contradict the evidence presented by the prosecution.
• She always seems to contradict herself whenever we have a discussion.
• I can't believe he contradicted his own statement just to impress his friends.
• Her actions contradict her words, showing a lack of sincerity.

noun a person who is engaged in a dispute or argument

• The disputant presented their arguments eloquently during the court hearing.
• The disputant wouldn't stop arguing with the other party.
• The disputant was really getting into it with the other person.
• The disputant's words were like swords in the heated debate.

adjective giving emphasis or expressing something forcibly and clearly

• The speaker was emphatic in his denunciation of the government's policies.
• She was really emphatic about wanting to go to the concert.
• I'm telling you, he was emphatic AF about not going to the party.
• Her eyes were emphatic in conveying her disappointment.

verb To set in opposition or combat, as one against another.

adverb A word or phrase that modifies or qualifies an adjective, verb, or other adverb.

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

• The two teams were pitted against each other in the final match of the tournament.
• They're always pitting me against my brother to see who can run faster.
• I don't know why they keep pitting Jenny against Sarah, they clearly don't get along.
• The politician was pitted against his own party members in the debate.

verb to put forward or offer for consideration

• The philosopher propounded a new theory on ethics during the academic conference.
• She likes to propound her ideas during casual conversations with friends.
• I heard him propound some crazy conspiracy theories at the bar last night.
• The artist propounded a bold new style of painting that challenged traditional norms.

adjective showing deep-seated resentment

• The debate between the two politicians became increasingly rancorous as they exchanged personal attacks.
• I try to avoid discussing politics with my uncle because he always gets so rancorous about it.
• I can't stand being around her when she's in a rancorous mood.
• The rancorous atmosphere in the office made it difficult for team members to work together effectively.

noun an act of scornful or contemptuous laughter or remarks

verb to speak to someone or about something in a scornfully derisive or mocking way

• She couldn't help but scoff at the lack of professionalism in the presentation.
• When he said he could beat her in a race, she just scoffed and walked away.
• I heard him scoff at the idea of going to that party, he's such a snob.
• The old man would often scoff at the younger generation, claiming they had it easy compared to his youth.

adjective describing a situation or person that has not been disputed or questioned

• The scientific theory remained unchallenged for decades.
• No one dared to challenge his authority on the matter.
• Her skills in the game were totally unchallenged.
• His position as the leader of the team went unchallenged throughout the season.

adjective An adjective is a word that describes or gives more information about a noun or pronoun. In this case, 'undenied' is an adjective that describes something that has not been denied or refuted.

• The fact that climate change is a pressing issue is undenied by the scientific community.
• It's undenied that she is the best candidate for the job.
• There's no denying that he's got skills for days.
• The undeniable truth of the matter can't be denied any longer.

preposition a word or phrase that connects a noun or pronoun to a verb or adjective in a sentence, such as 'against' or 'in contrast to'

conjunction a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence, such as 'but' or 'and'

• The court case will be a battle of evidence, with the prosecution versus the defense.
• It's Lakers versus Celtics in tonight's game.
• It's like a showdown, Batman versus Superman.
• In the eternal struggle of good versus evil, the hero always prevails.

noun a slang term used to describe a controversial or bold opinion or statement

adjective describing something as bold or controversial

• The journalist presented a controversial hot take on the current political situation.
• Did you hear Sarah's hot take on the new movie? She loved it!
• That hot take on the game was fire!
• His hot take on the issue really sparked a debate among the group.

adjective Capable of being brought forward as evidence or proof.

• The evidence presented in court was deemed adduceable by the judge.
• The teacher said that the sources we used for our project were adduceable.
• I don't think that gossip is adduceable in this situation.
• Her arguments were so well-researched and supported that they were adduceable in any debate.