Argument
An argument is a reason to support an opinion. There can be a "strong argument" or a "convincing argument" (for example, a good reason for why something should be done). The opposite is a "weak argument" or an "unconvincing argument".
An argument is also a disagreement between two people in a conversation. The verb is to argue. When people say that someone is "arguing", it can mean that the person is becoming very annoyed, but it does not have to mean that. "To argue with someone" can also mean that someone is becoming annoyed. Someone who is always arguing with people is argumentative.
"To argue" may simply mean "to debate", "to discuss", usually between people of differing opinions. "The lawyer argued the case" (he gave reasons why he thought the person was guilty or not guilty). Most people get into arguments (become annoyed) at times, but it is much better to try to agree with someone by discussing the arguments (reasons) thoughtfully. Sometimes an argument can be settled by each person making a compromise (an arrangement in which each side gives up something).
Arguments can escalate (get worse). Then they are disputes. Disputes can escalate into conflicts. Conflics may escalate into violence. But arguments can also disappear or get resolved. People can listen, learn, and see the other point of view. They can be helped by discussion, mediation or negotiation.
In mathematics, logic, computer science and related fields, an argument is a variable or value that is passed to a function.
