Debating Vocabulary

adjective a word or phrase that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun, in this case, antithetical describes something that is in opposition or contrast to something else

• The concept of individualism is often seen as antithetical to collectivism.
• Some people believe that cats and dogs are antithetical pets.
• His love for spicy food is antithetical to his friend's preference for bland dishes.
• The politician's actions were antithetical to the values he claimed to uphold.

noun a confident and forceful statement or belief

adjective assertive (relating to or characterized by assertiveness)

• The scientist made an assertion based on the data collected during the experiment.
• She confidently stated her assertion about the best way to solve the problem.
• He dropped his assertion on the group chat and everyone agreed with him.
• Her assertion was like a beacon of truth in a sea of uncertainty.

noun a discussion or argument characterized by the exchange of clever and teasing remarks

verb to exchange remarks or words in a clever and teasing manner

• During the debate, the two politicians began to bandy words over the proposed policy changes.
• The siblings often bandy words with each other when they disagree on something.
• I could hear the group of teenagers bandying words outside the school gates.
• The lawyers continued to bandy words in court as they tried to win the case.

verb to bring to an end; finish; terminate

• After analyzing all the data, we can conclude that there is a significant correlation between the two variables.
• So, to conclude, it seems like we should go with option B.
• To wrap things up, I guess we're going with plan C.
• In the grand scheme of things, we can conclude that everything happens for a reason.

verb to struggle in opposition or against difficulties; make a serious effort

• The lawyer will contend that the evidence presented is insufficient.
• I'll contend that the party was a success, despite the small turnout.
• She's always contending that she's the best at video games.
• The author's novel contends with themes of loss and redemption.

noun a word or phrase denoting an entity, quality, state, action, etc.

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 lawyer presented evidence contra the defendant's alibi.
• I'm going to argue contra what you just said.
• I'm totally contra that idea, dude.
• Her actions spoke contra to her words.

verb to argue or dispute about something; to contradict or oppose in argument

• The scientists continue to controvert the theory proposed by their colleagues.
• He loves to controvert everything I say, just for the sake of arguing.
• I can't believe you're still trying to controvert that, it's obvious you're wrong.
• Her actions seem to controvert her words, making it hard to trust her.

noun a word used to identify any of a class of people, places, or things

adjective a word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun

adverb a word that modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb

preposition a word used to show the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence

article a word that is used with a noun to indicate the type of reference being made by the noun

• The political parties are in opposition on this issue.
• They are in opposition about where to go for dinner.
• They're totally in opposition when it comes to music taste.
• The two ideas are in opposition, creating a conflict in the story.

adjective not able to be disputed or questioned

• The evidence presented in court was incontestable, leading to a swift conviction.
• Her talent as a singer is incontestable - she always wows the crowd.
• His skills on the basketball court are incontestable - no one can beat him.
• The bond between the two friends was incontestable, unbreakable even in the face of adversity.

adjective undeniable; unquestionable; impossible to dispute or doubt

• The evidence presented in court was incontrovertible, leading to a swift conviction.
• There's no way to argue against the incontrovertible facts laid out in the report.
• Dude, it's like totally incontrovertible that she's lying about where she was last night.
• His love for her was as incontrovertible as the sun rising every morning.

adjective an adjective is a word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun. 'Irrefutable' means impossible to deny or disprove.

• The scientific evidence presented was irrefutable, leaving no room for doubt.
• There's irrefutable proof that he was at the party last night.
• You can't argue with the irrefutable facts, dude.
• Her smile was like an irrefutable ray of sunshine on a rainy day.

adverb in addition; also

conjunction used to introduce a statement that amplifies or extends the previous one

• She excelled in academics and likewise in extracurricular activities.
• I love watching movies and likewise enjoy reading books.
• I'm into gaming and my friends are likewise addicted to it.
• Just as the flowers bloom in spring, our love for each other likewise grows stronger.

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.

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.

noun a person who makes a plea, especially in court

• The pleader presented a compelling argument in court.
• The pleader really knew how to make their case.
• That pleader is a smooth talker, always getting what they want.
• As a pleader for justice, she never backed down from a challenge.

noun a reply, especially a sharp or witty one

• The lawyer prepared a strong rejoinder to the opposing counsel's argument.
• She quickly fired back a rejoinder to his comment.
• Her comeback was a solid rejoinder to his teasing.
• His success in the competition was a powerful rejoinder to his critics.

adverb An adverb modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It often answers the questions of how, when, where, or to what extent something is done. In this case, 'rightly' describes how something is done.

• The judge rightly ruled in favor of the plaintiff based on the evidence presented.
• You rightly deserve recognition for your hard work on this project.
• She rightly shut down the gossip with a single glare.
• His words rightly struck a chord with the audience, leading to a standing ovation.

adverb used to express a conclusion for which there is stronger evidence than for a previously accepted one

• The evidence presented in the previous case is strong; a fortiori, it should be even more convincing in this instance.
• If she aced all her exams last semester, a fortiori she'll do even better this time around.
• If he can lift 200 pounds, a fortiori he can handle this small task.
• If she survived a difficult childhood, a fortiori she can overcome any obstacle in her path.