discuss/argue

Từ điển Oxford Learners Wordfinder Dictionary

1 discussing
2 agreeing and disagreeing
3 arguing
4 topics of discussion or argument
5 opinions and reasons
6 ending an argument
see also CONVERSATION, MEETING, OPINION, SAY, SPEAK

1 discussing
- a serious conversation about a particular subject: discussion (noun C/U), talk (noun C/U)
We had a long discussion about politics. ◎ I think this needs further discussion. ◎ We'd better have a talk with Sarah about this. ◎ There's been plenty of talk but too little action.
- to talk about sth seriously or formally: discuss sth (with sb), talk about sth (with sb), talk (to sb) (about sth), talk sth over (with sb)
When can we meet to discuss this? ◎ I'll talk to Peter about this and see what he says. ◎ I'll have to talk this over with my wife before I make a final decision.
- to think about or discuss sth before deciding what to do: debate sth (with sb); noun (C/U): debate
They're debating what to do next. ◎ There's been a lot of debate about whether she should resign.
- to discuss sth with sb before making a decision: consult (with sb) (about sth); noun (C/U): consultation
The President will consult with her advisers before making an announcement. ◎ private consultations ◎ The plan was introduced without proper consultation.
- a formal discussion, for example between politicians: talks (noun plural)
Talks between the two leaders were held in Dublin yesterday.
- to discuss sth in order to try to reach an agreement: negotiate (sth); noun (C/U): negotiation
The deal took nine months to negotiate. ◎ negotiations between trade unions and management ◎ There's no point in further negotiation.
※ more on negotiation AGREEMENT

2 agreeing and disagreeing
- to think the same thing as another person: agree (with sb) (on/about sth), agree with sth; noun (U): agreement
I entirely agree with you on that. ◎ I agree with that idea absolutely. ◎ He said he was in total agreement with the Prime Minister on the subject of a single European currency.
- if you agree with sb about sth, you are with sb (on sth), you go* along with sth
I'm with you on that. ◎ I don't go along with that idea.
- if you agree only partly with sb/sth, you agree up to a point
I agree (with you) up to a point, but I don't think that's the real reason for his bad behaviour.
- to have a different opinion from sb: disagree (with sb) (on/about sth), disagree with sth; noun (U): disagreement
They seem to disagree about almost everything. ◎ He's bound to disagree. ◎ There's been considerable disagreement on the subject.
- to have a different opinion from sb: differ (with sb)
We differ on several important issues.
- to say sth which means that what sb else has said is not true: contradict (sb/sth)
Why do you always contradict me? ◎ She contradicted everything he said.
- if people accept that they have different opinions about sth and cannot agree, they agree to differ
※—† saying that you agree
- to show that you agree with sb/sth, you can say: Of course or Sure or I agree (with you) or You're quite right (about that)
- to move your head up and down to show that you agree with sb/sth: nod (your head)
As I spoke, Charles was nodding his head in agreement.
- if you agree with sth but you are not entirely happy about it, you can say I suppose so
'So do you accept what I'm saying?' 'I suppose so.'
※—† saying that you disagree
- to show that you do not agree with sb/sth, you can say: I don't think so or I don't agree (with you) or I don't think that's right or (informal) No way!
- to move your head from side to side to show that you do not agree with sb/sth: shake* (your head)
As I spoke, John was shaking his head in disagreement.

3 arguing
- to talk (often angrily) about sth which you disagree with sb about: argue (with sb) (about/over sth); noun (C/U): argument
John could argue about politics all night. ◎ Stop arguing! ◎ I don't want to get into an argument with you about this. ◎ An argument blew up (= started suddenly) over who should chair the talks. ◎ a heated (= angry) argument
- an argument or difference of opinion: disagreement
We had a disagreement with our neighbours over the noise they were making.
- to argue angrily: quarrel (with sb) (about/over sth); an angry argument: quarrel, row
Pete's always quarrelling with his sister. ◎ She's had another row with her boyfriend. ◎ a row over money
- a noisy argument, especially about sth which is not important: squabble (with sb); verb: squabble (about/over sth)
The children are squabbling over which TV channel to watch.
- to argue with sb: (informal) have it out (with sb)
I went back to the shop and had it out with the manager.
- a disagreement about sth, especially a legal matter or money: dispute (noun C/U), conflict (noun C/U)
a pay dispute ◎ a bitter (= angry) dispute ◎ to avoid conflict between management and workers
- to try to start an argument with sb: pick a quarrel (with sb)
Don't take any notice of him - he's just trying to pick a quarrel.
- a person who argues a lot is argumentative, quarrelsome
He's become much more argumentative recently. ◎ a quarrelsome child

4 topics of discussion or argument
- the thing that is being discussed: subject, topic, issue
Why do you keep trying to change the subject? ◎ I'm surprised nobody has raised the issue of unemployment.
- if sth is not certain and could be discussed, it is arguable, debatable
A lot of what she said was highly arguable. ◎ a debatable point
- something which you are discussing is under discussion
the topic under discussion
- something which you are arguing about is in dispute
The cause of the accident is still in dispute.
- a topic which a lot of people discuss: talking point
The future of the royal family has become quite a talking point in recent months.
- public discussion and disagreement: controversy (noun C/U)
a new controversy over the death penalty ◎ His decision created a great deal of controversy.
- something which causes controversy is controversial
a controversial statement

5 opinions and reasons
- the different opinions held by two or more people are the different sides of an argument or discussion
It's important to see (= understand) both sides of the argument.
- one set of opinions in an argument or discussion: point of view
Try to see my point of view.
- to support one side of an argument against the other: take* sides
Both of them appealed to me for support but I refused to take sides.
- if you do not get involved in an argument, you stay out of it
I'm glad I managed to stay out of it.
- to give your opinion about sth and your reasons for what you think: argue that ※€¦, argue for/against sth; noun (C/U): argument
I've always argued that the business should expand. ◎ argue for the right to strike ◎ Sally argued against raising prices again so soon. ◎ an unconvincing argument
- to agree with sb/sth and help that side: support sb/sth; noun (U): support; a person who supports sb/sth: supporter
Who supports that idea? ◎ I support Mary on this one. ◎ Can I rely on your support?
- to disagree with sb/sth and help the other side: oppose sb/sth; noun (U): opposition; a person who opposes sth: opponent (of sth)
They're sure to oppose the plan. ◎ There's been a lot of opposition to the idea. ◎ a strong opponent of nuclear power
- if you disagree with sth, you are opposed to it
I've always been opposed to experiments on animals.
- to speak clearly and publicly against sth: speak* out (against sth)
She was the only one to speak out against the closure of the hospital.
※ more on supporting or not supporting sb/sth SUPPORT
- the reasons for and against sth: pros and cons
We were discussing the pros and cons of having a national lottery.
- a particular idea or opinion which is part of a discussion: point
I don't think you've quite understood my point.
- a point that is connected to the discussion is relevant; noun (U) relevance
I'm afraid I don't see the relevance of that remark.
- a point that is not connected to the discussion is irrelevant; noun (U) irrelevance
an irrelevant point/comment
- to draw a person's attention to a point in an argument: point sth out
He pointed out that I had said exactly the same myself a little earlier.
- to show by arguing that what you are saying is true: prove your case/point
I think I've proved my point.
- a good argument which it is hard to disagree with is persuasive, convincing, valid
an extremely persuasive argument ◎ I don't think that argument is valid.
- a poor argument which it is hard to agree with is weak, feeble, unconvincing
The arguments against us were very weak and we easily won the debate.
- to make the final remark in a discussion or argument: have the last word
She always has to have the last word, even when she knows that she's wrong.

6 ending an argument
- to be the person who is more successful in an argument: win* an argument; opposite: lose* an argument
I think you lost that argument!
- to end an argument or disagreement: come* to an agreement, reach (an) agreement, settle sth
After weeks of argument, they've finally come to an agreement. ◎ It doesn't look as if they'll ever settle their differences.
- when you become friendly with sb again after an argument, you make* up, make* it up (with sb), you are (formal) reconciled (with sb); noun (C/U): reconciliation
Why don't you two kiss and make up? ◎ Has she made it up with him yet? ◎ They were finally reconciled after months of disagreement. ◎ to bring about a reconciliation
- to come between two people to try to make them stop arguing: intervene (in sth)
The headmaster decided it was time he intervened in the dispute.
※ agreeing about plans and arrangements AGREEMENT
※—† MORE ...
- a formal discussion or argument between two sides, for example in Parliament: debate; verb: debate (sth)
a debate in the House of Commons on Britain's future in Europe ◎ MPs debated the proposal till after midnight.
- the topic of a formal debate: motion
Tonight's motion will be, 'This house believes that smoking should be banned in public places'. ◎ to speak for/against the motion
- the people who speak against the motion in a formal debate: the opposition
speaking for the opposition