Argument vs. Explanation: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 1, 2023
Argument; A reason or set of reasons given to persuade. Explanation; A statement that clarifies or makes clear.
Key Differences
An Argument generally refers to a point or series of points put forth to persuade or prove something, whereas an Explanation serves to clarify or elucidate a particular point or concept.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
The purpose of an Argument is often to convince or persuade someone of a particular stance or idea. In contrast, an Explanation simply aims to shed light on a subject without necessarily pushing a viewpoint.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
It's possible for someone to present an Argument without giving a detailed Explanation. Conversely, one might offer an Explanation without necessarily making an Argument for or against something.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
An Argument can be thought of as a tool used in debates or discussions to support one's position. On the other hand, an Explanation is more about informing and clarifying rather than debating.
Sara Rehman
Nov 01, 2023
While Arguments might contain Explanations within them to bolster their points, not all Explanations are Arguments, as they might merely be providing information without any persuasive intent.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
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Comparison Chart
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Argument and Explanation Definitions
Argument
A discussion where disagreement is expressed.
The two colleagues had an Argument about the project's direction.
Sara Rehman
Oct 25, 2023
Explanation
A statement that makes something clear.
He gave an Explanation about the missing files.
Janet White
Oct 25, 2023
Argument
A summary of the main points of a literary work.
The play began with a brief Argument outlining the plot.
Sara Rehman
Oct 25, 2023
Explanation
A description of a concept or idea.
The textbook provided a concise Explanation of quantum physics.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 25, 2023
Argument
A discussion in which the parties involved express disagreement with one another; a debate
Philosophical arguments over the nature of existence.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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Explanation
The reasons or justifications given for an action or event.
Her Explanation for being late was due to traffic.
Janet White
Oct 25, 2023
Argument
An angry discussion involving disagreement among the participants; a quarrel
The roommates had an argument about whose turn it was to wash the dishes.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Explanation
The act or process of explaining
Launched into a detailed explanation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Argument
(Archaic) A reason or matter for dispute or contention
"sheath'd their swords for lack of argument" (Shakespeare).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Explanation
Something that explains
That was supposedly the explanation for their misdeeds.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Argument
A course of reasoning aimed at demonstrating truth or falsehood
Presented a strong argument for the arts in education.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Argument
A fact or statement put forth as proof or evidence; a reason
The current low mortgage rates are an argument for buying a house now.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Explanation
The act or process of explaining.
The explanation was long and drawn-out.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Argument
A set of statements in which one follows logically as a conclusion from the others.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Explanation
Something that explains, makes understandable.
An explanation for the UFO sightings was easily found.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Argument
A summary or short statement of the plot or subject of a literary work.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Explanation
A resolution of disputed points pursuant to discussion; a mutual clarification of disputed points; reconciliation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Argument
A topic; a subject
"You and love are still my argument" (Shakespeare).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Explanation
The act of explaining, expounding, or interpreting; the act of clearing from obscurity and making intelligible; as, the explanation of a passage in Scripture, or of a contract or treaty.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Explanation
That which explains or makes clear; as, a satisfactory explanation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Explanation
The meaning attributed to anything by one who explains it; definition; interpretation; sense.
Different explanations [of the Trinity].
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Argument
The angle of a complex number measured from the positive horizontal axis.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Explanation
A mutual exposition of terms, meaning, or motives, with a view to adjust a misunderstanding, and reconcile differences; reconciliation; agreement; as, to come to an explanation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Explanation
A statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.;
The explanation was very simple
I expected a brief account
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Argument
(Linguistics) A word, phrase, or clause in a semantic relation with a word or phrase and that helps complete the meaning of that word or phrase, such as a noun phrase that is the object of a verb. The clause that we go is an argument of the verb suggest in the sentence I suggest that we go.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Explanation
The act of explaining; making something plain or intelligible;
I heard his explanation of the accident
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Argument
A series of propositions organized so that the final proposition is a conclusion which is intended to follow logically from the preceding propositions, which function as premises.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Explanation
An interpretation of events or facts.
The scientist's Explanation of the phenomenon was groundbreaking.
Sara Rehman
Oct 25, 2023
Explanation
A clarification of a problematic situation.
The manager demanded an Explanation for the team's oversight.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 25, 2023
Argument
(countable) An abstract or summary of the content of a literary work such as a book, a poem or a major section such as a chapter, included in the work before the content itself; (figuratively) the contents themselves.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Argument
(countable) A verbal dispute; a quarrel.
The neighbours got into an argument about the branches of the trees that extended over the fence.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Argument
Any dispute, altercation, or collision.
Steve got in a physical argument with his neighbor and came away with a black eye.
While biking home, he got in an argument with the pavement.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Argument
Any of the phrases that bears a syntactic connection to the verb of a clause.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Argument
A quantity on which the calculation of another quantity depends.
The altitude is the argument of the refraction.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Argument
A value, or a reference to a value, passed to a function.
Parameters are like labelled fillable blanks used to define a function whereas arguments are passed to a function when calling it, filling in those blanks.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Argument
A parameter at a function call; an actual parameter, as opposed to a formal parameter.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Argument
The subject matter of an artistic representation, discourse, or writing; a theme or topic.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Argument
Proof; evidence.
There is.. no more palpable and convincing argument of the existence of a Deity.
Why, then, is it made a badge of wit and an argument of parts for a man to commence atheist, and to cast off all belief of providence, all awe and reverence for religion?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Argument
A reason or reasons offered in proof, to induce belief, or convince the mind; reasoning expressed in words; as, an argument about, concerning, or regarding a proposition, for or in favor of it, or against it.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Argument
A process of reasoning, or a controversy made up of rational proofs; argumentation; discussion; disputation.
The argument is about things, but names.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Argument
The subject matter of a discourse, writing, or artistic representation; theme or topic; also, an abstract or summary, as of the contents of a book, chapter, poem.
You and love are still my argument.
The abstract or argument of the piece.
[Shields] with boastful argument portrayed.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Argument
Matter for question; business in hand.
Sheathed their swords for lack of argument.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Argument
The quantity on which another quantity in a table depends; as, the altitude is the argument of the refraction.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Argument
The independent variable upon whose value that of a function depends.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Argument
A fact or assertion offered as evidence that something is true;
It was a strong argument that his hypothesis was true
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Oct 13, 2023
Argument
A contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement;
They were involved in a violent argument
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Oct 13, 2023
Argument
A discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal;
The argument over foreign aid goes on and on
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Argument
A summary of the subject or plot of a literary work or play or movie;
The editor added the argument to the poem
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Argument
A variable in a logical or mathematical expression whose value determines the dependent variable; if f(x)=y, x is the independent variable
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Argument
A series of reasons given to support a proposition.
His Argument was based on historical data.
Janet White
Oct 25, 2023
Argument
A point provided in a discussion.
She presented a strong Argument for sustainability.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023
Argument
In math, an independent variable.
In complex analysis, the Argument of a function is vital.
Janet White
Oct 25, 2023
FAQs
What's the main goal of an Explanation?
The main goal of an Explanation is to clarify, elucidate, or provide understanding about a topic.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
Are all Explanations Arguments?
No, while an Explanation can clarify a point, it doesn't necessarily persuade or argue for a stance.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
Can an Argument include an Explanation?
Yes, Arguments often contain Explanations to bolster their points.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
Why do people use Arguments?
People use Arguments to persuade, convince, or support a particular viewpoint or stance.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
Is an Explanation always neutral?
Ideally, an Explanation should be neutral, simply clarifying or informing, but it can sometimes contain biases.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
Can Explanations be lengthy?
Yes, depending on the topic, Explanations can be brief or detailed.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
Do Explanations always solve misunderstandings?
Explanations aim to clarify, but they don't always resolve misunderstandings.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
How can one differentiate between an Argument and an Explanation?
An Argument persuades or proves a point, while an Explanation clarifies or makes a concept clear.
Harlon Moss
Nov 01, 2023
Are there cultural differences in framing Arguments?
Yes, cultural backgrounds can influence the structure and presentation of Arguments.
Sara Rehman
Nov 01, 2023
How is the term Argument used in mathematics?
In math, an Argument refers to the input value of a function, especially in complex analysis.
Janet White
Nov 01, 2023
Can an Argument be without facts?
While an Argument can be made without facts, strong Arguments are typically backed by evidence.
Janet White
Nov 01, 2023
Are Arguments always confrontational?
No, Arguments can be presented in a constructive or non-confrontational manner.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
Why are Explanations important in teaching?
Explanations help students understand complex topics and provide clarity.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
