The words argue, dispute and debate have very subtle differences in meaning and in function. Below I will explain the main differences in each word, how they function and when they can be used.
Dispute and debate can function as either a verb or a noun but argue can only function as a verb. Let’s have a look at other important differences between these three words.
Argue
When we use the verb argue with an object it can mean to persuade, to prove, to imply or to show.
For example:
- The attorney argued that the evidence against his client was unreliable and shouldn’t be used in the trial.
- The teenage daughter argued with her parents for hours. She wanted to go to the end of term ball and thought that she could change her parents mind if she told them why it was safe and that she wouldn’t miss her curfew.
- His guilty expression argued that he was culpable for the embarrassing incident at school.
When argue is used without an object it can have a different inference or meaning. In this situation, the verb arguecan mean that people are verbally disagreeing with one another.
For example:
- The twin brothers argued for days about how they should spend the birthday money they received from their grandparents. Neither of them could agree on the best way to use the money.
- The shop assistant started arguing with a customer, accusing him of stealing a hat from the store. The customer argued saying that the hat was his hat and that he had bought it last weekend.
When the verb doesn’t have an object it can also be used to reason a matter providing points for or against the matter at hand.
For example:
- The protesters argued in favour of marriage equality.
- The teachers will argue against the proposal to increase working hours at the school.
Dispute
Now let’s take a look at the word dispute, how it functions as a noun and as a verb.
When dispute is used as a noun it refers to people’s difference in opinion.
For example:
- There was a dispute between the politicians as they both thought their proposal was a better option for the country compared to the other politician’s proposal.
- The ongoing dispute between the two countries has led to years of pain and grief for it’s citizens.
Like argue, when we use dispute as a verb it can be used with an object and without an object. Depending on the presence of an object, dispute can have different meanings.
When dispute comes with an object it means to argue (usually against something) or to fight about or oppose an issue.
Below are some examples:
- The politicians from two different political parties, disputed their opponent’s proposal and exposed the potential flaws in their opponent’s proposal.
- The trade unions disputed the motion to increase the worker’s hours and reduce their daily salary by five percent.
When we use dispute as a verb but without an object it means to engage in a heated verbal fight or confrontation.
Here are some examples:
- The freshly divorced couple constantly disputed. They couldn’t agree on how to raise their children as they had very different views and morals.
- The student union cannot agree on how to improve student accommodation on-campus and have been tirelessly disputing.
Debate
Finally, let us take a look at the third word; debate. Similar to the word dispute, debate can be used as a noun and as a verb.
First let’s see how debate functions as a noun and it’s meaning. We usually use debate to refer to a formal discussion that addresses to sides of an issue.
For example:
- The debate will address the issue of shelter for the homeless in the city and discuss the possible solutions to this serious problem.
- There was a heated debate in congress as opposing sides passionately discussed the benefits of their scheme.
When debate is used as a verb it can be used with or without an object also. When it is used with an object it means to discuss an issue, disagree about something or to engage in a formal debate.
For example:
- The police officials debated the reliability of the witness and whether they could use the witness to find the missing child.
- There will be a mock debate in school next week. Each student will prepare their speech and they will debate another student on the topic.
If debate is used without an object it means to participate or engage in a discussion for or against a certain topic. This is usually used in formal debates, court or public assembly.
For example:
- The members of the jury had a hard decision to make and would be debating among one another all night.
When the verb debate doesn’t have an object it can also refer to the act of deliberating or analysing an issue.
For example:
- The team debated among one another and were able to come up with the best solution to the problem.
- She was in a situation where she had to make a very tough decision, she debated with herself for a long time.
As you may have noticed from the explanations and examples above, the verb argue used a lot more in every day situations.
Whereas debate and dispute are used more often when discussing more serious issues, in more formal situations such as a court room, congress, debate.
