Definition

1. Verb:
   • To argue sophistically / to quibble: To engage in argument by using clever but often false or misleading reasoning, especially when disputing an obvious fact or truth. It implies a stubborn insistence on arguing for the sake of arguing, rather than seeking genuine understanding.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Đừng lý sự nữa, sự thật đã rõ ràng rồi. (Stop quibbling; the truth is already clear.)
  • Nó thích lý sự mỗi khi bị cha mẹ mắng. (He likes to argue sophistically every time his parents scold him.)
  • Cô ấy lý sự với thầy giáo về điểm số của mình. (She quibbled with the teacher about her grade.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often carries a strong negative connotation, criticizing someone for being unnecessarily argumentative, pedantic, or for refusing to accept a plain truth.

Variants and Related Words

• Cãi lý (v): to argue over principles or logic; often used similarly to "lý sự."
• Cãi bướng (v): to argue stubbornly or obstinately.

Synonyms

• To quibble: To argue about small, unimportant details.
• To split hairs: To make small and unnecessary distinctions in an argument.
• To argue pedantically: To argue in an overly academic or nitpicking manner.

Related Idioms

• Lý sự cùn: To engage in dull, pointless, or ineffective argumentation.
  • Anh ta chỉ biết lý sự cùn thôi. (He only knows how to make dull, pointless arguments.)