ˈɑː(ɹ).ɡju.ɪŋ kənˈtɛnʃən ˈkɒntɹəˌvɜːsi ˈkɑntɹəˌvɝsi dɪˈbeɪt dɪsɛpˈteɪʃən dɪsˌpjuːˈteɪʃən pəˈɹæm.ɪ.tə a course of reasoning aimed at demonstrating a truth or falsehood; the methodical process of logical reasoning I can't follow your line of reasoning a variable in a logical or mathematical expression whose value determines the dependent variable if f(x)=y, x is the independent variable (computer science) a reference or value that is passed to a function, procedure, subroutine, command, or program a summary of the subject or plot of a literary work or play or movie the editor added the argument to the poem a fact or assertion offered as evidence that something is true it was a strong argument that his hypothesis was true a discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal the argument over foreign aid goes on and on a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement they were involved in a violent argument