Argumentation and Persuasion

to form a broad conclusion or principle by considering specific instances

Scientists generalize results from a small study to a larger population.

used to express that one is considering a particular fact before sharing one's opinion or making a judgment

Given that it was raining heavily, we decided to postpone the picnic.

‌the act of making petty distinctions or arguing about insignificant details and differences

to notice the sound a person or thing is making

I heard footsteps behind me and quickly turned around.

the most advantageous position in an argument or discussion that grants one moral or ethical superiority

(of an argument, theory, etc.) to be believable or supported by evidence

I'm not convinced by his explanation; it just doesn't hold water.

used to indicate that a rule or law is being operated

used to explain the main reason or starting point of a situation

I don't want to go in the first place, I'm tired, and secondly, I can't afford it.

to prove that something is incorrect or flawed, making it not acceptable or reliable

The new evidence invalidated the previous hypothesis.

the act of making or proving a belief, idea, argument, etc. wrong

to call forth or summon a spirit, often through magical words, rituals, or incantations

The witch invoked the spirit of the ancient forest with a chant under the full moon.

a stone located at the top center of an arch, keeping all the other stones together

The archway was supported by a central keystone, which locked the structure into place and distributed the weight evenly.

to describe or stress something excessively when it is already understood

to design and arrange something according to a specific plan

The interior designer laid the furniture out in the room to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

to throw something with a specific motion

The baseball pitcher prepared to pitch the ball with precision.

‌to use one's best resource and do something clever and unexpected that gives one an advantage over others

to make an earnest and emotional request, often accompanied by a strong sense of urgency or desperation

He pleaded with his boss to reconsider the decision to terminate his employment.

the most important thing that is said or done which highlights the purpose of something

The professor made a crucial point about the importance of environmental conservation.

a speech or piece of writing that strongly criticizes someone or something

His polemic against modern art sparked heated debate.

a speech or piece of writing that strongly criticizes someone or something

His polemic against modern art sparked heated debate.

of or relating to strong arguments meant to criticize or defend a particular opinion, person, idea, etc.

to propose or assume something as true or factual, serving as the foundation for further reasoning or argumentation

In the scientific hypothesis, researchers often posit certain conditions to explore their potential effects on the experiment.

a theory or statement that acts as the foundation of an argument

The entire debate was based on the premise that economic growth benefits all members of society.

to forcefully make a point in an argument or discussion to ensure that there are no misunderstandings

The politician hammered home the importance of voting, reminding his constituents that their votes were their voices and that they had the power to make a difference.

something that one perceives to be true, even though it remains to be proved, especially at the beginning of an argument

The debate began with the presupposition that economic growth leads to job creation.

each separate part of an argument, plan, etc.

information or evidence that proves the truth or existence of something

The DNA results acted as proof that the suspect was at the scene of the crime.

to show that something is true through the use of evidence or facts

He often proves his point through well-researched arguments.

to introduce a plan or suggestion to a group of individuals so that they decide whether to accept it or not

It's an interesting proposal.I'll put it to the board of directors next week.