Definition

1. Verb:
   • To argue: To engage in a verbal dispute or disagreement, often by presenting reasons for or against something. It implies a contentious exchange of differing viewpoints.
   • To reason contentiously: To dispute or debate a point, often in a stubborn or quarrelsome manner, focusing on the logic or rationale of an argument.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Anh ấy thích cãi lẽ về mọi chủ đề. (He likes to argue about every topic.)
  • Đừng cãi lẽ với sếp. (Don't argue with the boss.)
  • Hai đứa trẻ cãi lẽ xem ai đúng. (The two children argued over who was right.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting unnecessary, stubborn, or petty argumentation rather than a healthy debate.
• It can imply a focus on winning the verbal exchange rather than reaching mutual understanding.

Variants and Related Words

• Cãi (v): A more general verb for or .
  • Họ cãi nhau rất to tiếng. (They argued with each other very loudly.)
• Tranh cãi (v): , , . Often used for more formal or serious arguments.
  • Vấn đề này gây nhiều tranh cãi. (This issue causes much debate.)

Synonyms

• Argue: To exchange opposing views heatedly.
• Dispute: To argue about something.
• Quarrel: To have an angry argument.
• Bicker: To argue about petty things.

Related Idioms

• Cãi chày cãi cối: To argue stubbornly and relentlessly.
  • Cứ cãi chày cãi cối mà không nghe lí lẽ. (Just arguing stubbornly without listening to reason.)
• Cãi bướng: To argue obstinately or defiantly.
  • Đứa bé hay cãi bướng với mẹ. (The child often argues obstinately with his mother.)

1. Argue