argue
UK[ˈɑːɡjuː]US[ˈɑːrɡjuː]
v
To speak angrily to someone, telling them that you disagree with them.
v
To give reasons to support or oppose an idea, action, or theory.
Morpheme Breakdown
argu
e
argu
to make clear, to prove
e
verbal suffix
Etymology
The word 'argue' entered English in the late 14th century from Old French 'arguer', which itself descended from Latin 'arguere', meaning "to make clear, demonstrate, or prove." The Latin verb is likely related to a hypothesized Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to shine, be white, clear," which is also the ancestor of the Latin adjective 'argutus' ("clear, bright, sharp"). This etymological journey reveals the core logic of the word: its original sense was one of clarification and logical proof. Over time, the emphasis shifted from the calm act of presenting clear evidence to the more heated exchange of opposing proofs, giving us the primary modern meaning of verbal dispute or quarrel.
Analysis
Structure: argu (to make clear, to prove) + e (verbal suffix)
The morpheme 'argu' originates from Latin 'arguere', meaning to make clear, to prove, or to assert. The final 'e' is a common verbal suffix in English, often derived from Latin infinitive endings, indicating the word's function as a verb.
Examples
The couple next door often argue about money.
He argued persuasively for a change in the policy.
Her actions argue a deep lack of confidence.