Argument Elements Vocabulary

a proposition forming the basis of an argument

“Your conclusion is flawed because your premise is wrong.”

a statement put forward as a premise to be proved

“Her thesis challenged conventional wisdom about evolution.”

a proposition contrasting with the original thesis

“His views represent the antithesis of traditional values.”

the combining of thesis and antithesis into a new proposition

“The synthesis reconciled seemingly contradictory positions.”

clear, logical, and convincing

“She presented a cogent argument for reform.”

evoking interest or attention in an irresistible way

“The evidence was compelling beyond doubt.”

able to be maintained or defended against attack

“His position is no longer tenable given the new evidence.”

impossible to deny or disprove

“The DNA evidence was irrefutable.”

causing or likely to cause disagreement

“The contentious proposal divided the committee.”

a pithy observation containing a general truth

“The aphorism 'less is more' guides minimalist design.”

a short statement expressing a general truth

“He lived by the maxim 'do unto others as you would have them do unto you.'”

a formal pronouncement from an authoritative source

“The judge's dictum became a guiding principle in later cases.”