Counterargues

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To present alternative reasoning or evidence that disputes a previously stated argument
2. to articulate a case that challenges the validity of someone's claims
3. to provide rebuttals that actively contest the points made by another party

Etymology: "Counterargue" is a compound built from "counter-" and "argue," and its parts have very different journeys. "Argue" came into English through Old French "arguer," from Latin "arguere," meaning to make clear, prove or accuse, and it is traced back to an ancient root meaning something bright or white, a sense that survives in the idea of making something plain. The prefix "counter-" has a longer line of descent. It passed from Latin "contra," meaning against, through Old French "contre" into Anglo-Norman and then Middle English, so the two halves arrived in English by separate routes. The combination follows the pattern of "counterargument," and the same opposing sense runs through the whole family: the prefix sets the second action against the first. To counterargue is to argue back, offering reasoning or evidence that cuts against a point already made. The prefix does the directional work, and "argue" supplies the act of reasoning.

Synonyms: refutes, disputes, rebuts, challenges, opposes

Antonyms: agrees, supports, concedes