đấu lí
Definition
- Verb:
- To argue a point of law; to engage in legal argumentation: The primary meaning of "đấu lí" refers to the act of debating or contending based on legal principles, logic, or reasoned arguments, often in a formal or adversarial context like a court.
- To exchange logical rebuttals; to have a reasoned debate: It can also describe a structured dispute where parties present and counter each other's points with logic and reasoning.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Hai luật sư đấu lí với nhau rất gay gắt trước tòa. (The two lawyers argued points of law very fiercely before the court.)
- Đó không phải là cãi nhau, mà là một cuộc đấu lí có trình độ. (That is not a mere quarrel, but a high-level exchange of logical arguments.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is specific and formal, typically used in contexts involving law, formal debates, or sophisticated discussions where logic and principles are paramount. It implies a clash of structured reasoning rather than an emotional quarrel.
Variants and Related Words
- Tranh luận (v): to debate, to discuss. This is a more general term for argument or debate.
- Biện luận (v): to argue, to reason. Emphasizes presenting a line of reasoning.
- Cãi nhau (v): to quarrel, to argue. This is a general and often emotional term for arguing.
Synonyms
- To argue legally
- To debate on points of law
- To contend logically
Related Idioms
- While "đấu lí" itself is not commonly part of a wider idiom, it conceptually relates to formal adversarial exchange.