Is an argument always a fight? | | "Arguments" and "fights" often travel in the same circles, but they're not always the same thing. While an argument certainly can be a fight, the formal definition is more reasoned. | |  | Rachel Gresh |
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| |  | | "A rgument" and "fight" can be treated as synonyms, but each word carries distinct tones. In Ian McEwan's World War II novel, Atonement, for instance, "argument" appears in moments of urgency without implying hostility: "They were right in its path and there was no time for argument." By contrast, McEwan uses "fight" signals aggression or conflict, as in, "No will to fight for their own country." Throughout the novel, "argument" conveys disagreement in pursuit of a solution, while "fight" suggests hostility, sometimes with physical implications. This distinction mirrors how the words are used in everyday speech.
An argument is a reasoned case open to discussion. Merriam-Webster defines it as "a set of reasons, statements, or facts offered in support of a position, common in academic, legal, and formal settings," or "a reason given for or against a matter under discussion." In these contexts, an argument is not a fight. Consider a commonplace example: "The committee presented a strong argument for increasing HOA fees." Here, the word suggests a structured case; it doesn't imply that the committee is fighting with anyone. |
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Emoji Decoded | |  | | Smiling Face With Smiling Eyes | | | Meaning: The ubiquitous smiley was one of the OG emojis, and it's about as innocent as you can get. The face is smiling and so are the eyes.
Evolution: Tone is hard to convey over text, but this is the emoji people throw at the end of a tough statement to try to soften the blow. With that usage, the smile can come across as disingenuous.
Usage: [Email from your boss:] "I can't approve any time off until next month. But I appreciate all your hard work ð" |
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| | Smiling Face With Smiling Eyes | | | Meaning: The ubiquitous smiley was one of the OG emojis, and it's about as innocent as you can get. The face is smiling and so are the eyes.
Evolution: Tone is hard to convey over text, but this is the emoji people throw at the end of a tough statement to try to soften the blow. With that usage, the smile can come across as disingenuous.
Usage: [Email from your boss:] "I can't approve any time off until next month. But I appreciate all your hard work ð" |
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Have you read? | |  | | Amity | | By Nathan Harris | | Set in the aftermath of the Civil War, this book centers around a formerly enslaved man named Coleman who leaves New Orleans to search for his sister June, from whom he was separated years prior. As Coleman crosses Texas and into Mexico, he grapples with old power structures and explores the meaning of new freedom. "Amity" is a historical fiction novel recommended if you enjoy reading about American history, Westerns, and Odyssey-esque journeys. | | | | Samantha Abernethy, Word Smarts Writer | | | | We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. |
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| | Amity | | By Nathan Harris | | Set in the aftermath of the Civil War, this book centers around a formerly enslaved man named Coleman who leaves New Orleans to search for his sister June, from whom he was separated years prior. As Coleman crosses Texas and into Mexico, he grapples with old power structures and explores the meaning of new freedom. "Amity" is a historical fiction novel recommended if you enjoy reading about American history, Westerns, and Odyssey-esque journeys. | | | | Samantha Abernethy, Word Smarts Writer | | | | We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. |
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