Maybe you're in a debate club. Maybe you always argue with your parents over who should become our next president. Maybe you fight with your boyfriend over what episode of your favorite TV show is the best. No matter what kind of trouble you get yourself into, here are a few strong words to help you win an argument:
1. Premise
This means, "the base of an argument." So if your opponent starts off by complaining that all men are horrible creatures, you can ask them what the premise of their argument is. You're basically asking them why they believe that and what facts they have to prove it.
2. Inconsistent
Inconsistent means "not staying the same throughout." When you get into a heated argument with someone, it's common for them to backtrack. If they say something that contradicts what they said earlier, you can accuse them of being inconsistent.
3. Distinction
A distinction is "a difference or contrast between similar things or people." So if your opponent tries to act like all of the Kardashians are exactly the same, you can explain the distinctions between the sisters, because they're clearly separate people.
4. Superficial
Superficial has a few definitions. One of them is "appearing to be true or real only until examined more closely." So if your opponent's argument sounds valid until you ask them more questions about it, you can call their ideas superficial.
5. Generalization
A generalization is "a general statement obtained by inference from specific cases." If the person you're arguing with makes a statement about how all women are narcissists, you can call them out on making a generalization. It's impossible to group such a big number of people together, but it commonly happens during arguments, which is why you should keep the word "generalization" in the back of your mind.
6. Incompetent
If the person you're arguing with begins to frustrate you, then you can use this word to describe them. Incompetent means, "not having the necessary skills to do something successfully." So you can tell them that they're too incompetent to have a conversation with.
7. Assertion
An assertion is "a proclamation of something, often as the result of opinion as opposed to fact." If you're still confused about what the word means, one of the most famous assertions was that the world was flat. So if your opponent is using their emotions instead of their intellect, you can accuse them of making an assertion.
8. Evading
Evading means "to escape or avoid by cleverness or trickery." When someone knows that they're wrong, then they're going to avoid answering your questions in a straightforward manner. So if you ask someone what their opinion is on Supernatural and they refuse to give you their answer, you can accuse them of "evading the question."
9. Faulty
Faulty simply means that something or someone is "displaying weakness." If your opponent says something that makes no sense to you, don't just call them stupid. Instead, say that their logic is faulty and then proceed to explain why you're right and they're completely wrong.
Having correct information won't always help you win an argument. That's why you should use these powerful words in order to sound like you know what you're talking about, even when you don't. Do you enjoy having intellectual debates with others, or do they just get you angry?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are powerful words to use in an argument?
- Powerful words to use in an argument can include 'because,' which explains reasons, 'feel,' to express emotions, 'perspective,' to share viewpoints, 'understand,' to show empathy, and 'however,' to introduce a contrasting point.
- How can I win an argument without being rude?
- To win an argument without being rude, listen actively, stay calm, use polite language, provide clear reasons for your points, and show respect for the other person's opinions. Avoid personal attacks and focus on the issue at hand.
- Can certain words help me convince someone?
- Yes, certain words can make your argument more persuasive. Words that show understanding, logical reasoning, and respect can help convince someone during a discussion.
- What should I say when I disagree in an argument?
- When you disagree, say 'I see your point, but...' or 'That's an interesting perspective, however...' to acknowledge the other side before presenting your disagreement respectfully.
- Is it okay to use 'I feel' in an argument?
- Yes, using 'I feel' in an argument is okay and can be powerful because it expresses your personal feelings and can make your standpoint more relatable and less aggressive.