The phrasal verb "argue down" is predominantly used in informal settings, rather than formal ones. It generally means to successfully persuade someone through argumentation to relinquish their stance or to oppose a proposal with sustained debate. It is commonly employed in debates, discussions, or negotiations where an individual aims to refute points made by others or convince them to a different viewpoint. This phrasal verb is often seen in situations involving competitive or contested exchanges, whether in personal, academic, or business contexts. Furthermore, "argue down" can also carry the connotation of haggling or negotiating a lower price, reinforcing its informal usage especially in transactional dialogues. Understanding the context in which "argue down" is used is crucial as it implies a deliberate and strategic approach in argumentative discourse.
B2
UpperIntermediate
1. To defeat someone in an argument by making convincing arguments; to show that someone's argument or point of view is incorrect.
During the debate, she managed to argue him down with her well-researched facts.
Despite his confidence, he was argued down by the more experienced lawyer.
2. To persuade someone to lower a price through negotiation.
After haggling for a while, I argued the seller down to half the original price.
She argued the price down by pointing out minor defects in the product.
