pros and cons
Definition
- Noun (plural): The arguments or considerations in favor of and against something; the advantages and disadvantages.
- "Pros and cons" refers to the positive aspects (pros) and negative aspects (cons) of a decision, proposal, or situation.
Usage Examples
- (Consider the advantages and disadvantages.)
- (They examined both supporting and opposing arguments.)
Advanced Usage
"to weigh the pros and cons": to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages before deciding.
- She weighed the pros and cons of moving to a new city. (She evaluated the benefits and drawbacks.)
"a list of pros and cons": a written or mental enumeration of positive and negative points.
- He made a list of pros and cons to help him choose a college. (He wrote down the good and bad points.)
Variants and Related Words
Pro (noun): a reason or argument in favor of something.
- One pro of the plan is its low cost. (A positive aspect.)
Con (noun): a reason or argument against something.
- The main con is the time it takes. (A negative aspect.)
Synonyms
- Advantages and disadvantages: the positive and negative features.
- Benefits and drawbacks: the good and bad outcomes.
- For and against: arguments supporting and opposing.
Related Idioms
The pros and cons: the same as the definition; a fixed phrase.
- Let's look at the pros and cons before we decide. (Examine all factors.)
To argue both sides: to present arguments for and against.
- He argued both sides of the issue expertly. (He presented pros and cons.)