Argue vs. Row — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 6, 2024
"Argue" involves presenting reasons to support or oppose something, often in a calm manner, while "row" refers to a loud, heated dispute or argument.
Difference Between Argue and Row
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Key Differences
To argue is to engage in a discussion where each party presents reasons or evidence in support of their viewpoints, often aiming for a resolution or understanding. This process can be relatively calm and reasoned. On the other hand, a row is typically a loud, heated exchange that may involve shouting and strong emotions, often without a clear focus on resolution.
While arguing can be a part of healthy communication, aiming to clarify misunderstandings or reach a consensus, rowing is generally seen as a more disruptive form of communication that can escalate tensions. Whereas arguing seeks to persuade or inform, rowing often stems from and perpetuates conflict without a constructive path forward.
Arguments can occur in various settings, including academic debates, legal proceedings, or personal discussions, where the emphasis is on logic and evidence. In contrast, rows are more likely to occur in situations of stress or high emotion, where participants are less concerned with logical coherence and more driven by immediate feelings.
An argument might be initiated with the intention of exploring a topic deeply, understanding different perspectives, or making a decision based on reasoned discussion. Conversely, a row is often spontaneous, arising from immediate disagreements or misunderstandings, and it may not lead to any productive outcome.
Participants in an argument usually aim to respect each other's viewpoints, even when disagreeing, maintaining a level of decorum and restraint. On the other hand, during a row, respect and restraint often diminish as emotions take precedence, and the primary aim becomes expressing frustration or anger rather than understanding differing viewpoints.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Calm, reasoned discussion
Loud, heated dispute
Aim
To persuade, inform, or resolve
To express disagreement or anger
Setting
Academic, legal, personal
Stressful or emotional situations
Focus
Logic and evidence
Emotions and immediate feelings
Outcome
Potential understanding or resolution
Escalated tensions without constructive resolution
Compare with Definitions
Argue
To present reasons for or against something.
They argue about environmental policies to find common ground.
Row
A loud, chaotic disagreement.
The neighbors had a row that disturbed the entire street.
Argue
Engaging in a discussion to persuade.
She argued her case in front of the committee successfully.
Row
Often involves shouting and strong emotions.
Their row over finances became quite intense.
Argue
Can lead to a deeper understanding.
They argue every point thoroughly, ensuring clarity.
Row
Lacks a focus on logical resolution.
The row ended without any clear resolution.
Argue
Part of academic or intellectual debates.
Scholars argue over the interpretation of historical events.
Row
Can occur in stressful situations.
High stress led to a row among the team members.
Argue
Aimed at resolution or consensus.
The couple argued but reached a compromise.
Row
Emphasizes expressing frustration.
Their row was more about venting than solving the issue.
Argue
To put forth reasons for or against; debate
"It is time to stop arguing tax-rate reductions and to enact them" (Paul Craig Roberts).
Row
A series of objects placed next to each other, usually in a straight line.
Argue
To attempt to prove by reasoning; maintain or contend
The speaker argued that more immigrants should be admitted to the country.
Row
A succession without a break or gap in time
Won the title for three years in a row.
Argue
To give evidence of; indicate
"Similarities cannot always be used to argue descent" (Isaac Asimov).
Row
A line of adjacent seats, as in a theater, auditorium, or classroom.
Argue
To persuade or influence (another), as by presenting reasons
Argued the clerk into lowering the price.
Row
A continuous line of buildings along a street.
Argue
To put forth reasons for or against something
Argued for dismissal of the case.
Argued against an immediate counterattack.
Row
The act or an instance of rowing.
Argue
To engage in a quarrel; dispute
We need to stop arguing and engage in constructive dialogue.
Row
A shift at the oars of a boat.
Argue
To show grounds for concluding (that); to indicate, imply.
Row
A trip or an excursion in a rowboat.
Argue
(intransitive) To debate, disagree, or discuss opposing or differing viewpoints.
He also argued for stronger methods to be used against China.
He argued as follows: America should stop Lend-Lease convoying, because it needs to fortify its own Army with the supplies.
The two boys argued over a disagreement about the science project.
Row
A noisy or quarrel or disturbance.
Argue
(intransitive) To have an argument, a quarrel.
Row
A loud noise.
Argue
(transitive) To present (a viewpoint or an argument therefor).
He argued his point.
He argued that America should stop Lend-Lease convoying because it needed to fortify its own Army with the supplies.
Row
To place in a row.
Argue
To prove.
Row
To use an oar or pair of oars in propelling a boat, typically by facing the stern and pulling the oar handle toward oneself, using an oarlock as a fulcrum to push the blade backward through the water repeatedly.
Argue
To accuse.
Row
To propel (a boat) with oars.
Argue
To invent and offer reasons to support or overthrow a proposition, opinion, or measure; to use arguments; to reason.
I argue notAgainst Heaven's hand or will.
Row
To carry in or on a boat propelled by oars.
Argue
To contend in argument; to dispute; to reason; - followed by with; as, you may argue with your friend without convincing him.
Row
To use (a specified number of oars or people deploying them).
Argue
To debate or discuss; to treat by reasoning; as, the counsel argued the cause before a full court; the cause was well argued.
Row
To propel or convey in a manner resembling rowing of a boat.
Argue
To prove or evince; too manifest or exhibit by inference, deduction, or reasoning.
So many laws argue so many sins.
Row
To pull (an oar) as part of a racing crew.
Argue
To persuade by reasons; as, to argue a man into a different opinion.
Row
To race against by rowing.
Argue
To blame; to accuse; to charge with.
Thoughts and expressions . . . which can be truly argued of obscenity, profaneness, or immorality.
Men of many words sometimes argue for the sake of talking; men of ready tongues frequently dispute for the sake of victory; men in public life often debate for the sake of opposing the ruling party, or from any other motive than the love of truth.
Unskilled to argue, in dispute yet loud,Bold without caution, without honors proud.
Betwixt the dearest friends to raise debate.
Row
To take part in a noisy quarrel or disturbance.
Argue
Present reasons and arguments
Row
A line of objects, often regularly spaced, such as seats in a theatre, vegetable plants in a garden etc.
Argue
Have an argument about something
Row
A horizontal line of entries in a table, etc., going from left to right, as opposed to a column going from top to bottom.
Argue
Give evidence of;
The evidence argues for your claim
The results indicate the need for more work
Row
An act or instance of rowing.
I went for an early-morning row.
Row
(weightlifting) An exercise performed with a pulling motion of the arms towards the back.
Row
A noisy argument.
There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.
Row
A continual loud noise.
Who's making that row?
Row
To propel (a boat or other craft) over water using oars.
Row
(transitive) To transport in a boat propelled with oars.
To row the captain ashore in his barge
Row
(intransitive) To be moved by oars.
The boat rows easily.
Row
(intransitive) To argue noisily.
Row
Rough; stern; angry.
Row
A noisy, turbulent quarrel or disturbance; a brawl.
Row
A series of persons or things arranged in a continued line; a line; a rank; a file; as, a row of trees; a row of houses or columns.
And there were windows in three rows.
The bright seraphim in burning row.
Row
The act of rowing; excursion in a rowboat.
Row
To propel with oars, as a boat or vessel, along the surface of water; as, to row a boat.
Row
To transport in a boat propelled with oars; as, to row the captain ashore in his barge.
Row
To use the oar; as, to row well.
Row
To be moved by oars; as, the boat rows easily.
Row
An arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line;
A row of chairs
Row
An angry dispute;
They had a quarrel
They had words
Row
A long continuous strip (usually running horizontally);
A mackerel sky filled with rows of clouds
Rows of barbed wire protected the trenches
Row
(construction) a layer of masonry;
A course of bricks
Row
A linear array of numbers side by side
Row
A continuous chronological succession without an interruption;
They won the championship three years in a row
Row
The act of rowing as a sport
Row
Propel with oars;
Row the boat across the lake
Common Curiosities
Why do rows escalate quickly?
Rows escalate quickly because they are driven by strong emotions and immediate reactions rather than a structured discussion.
Is it better to argue or to row?
Arguing is generally more productive as it focuses on understanding and resolving issues, whereas rowing often exacerbates conflicts.
What does it mean to have a row?
Having a row means engaging in a loud, heated dispute, usually driven by emotions rather than logic.
How can one avoid turning an argument into a row?
Maintaining respect, focusing on the issue rather than the person, and keeping emotions in check can help avoid turning an argument into a row.
Are rows always negative?
While rows are often seen as negative due to their emotional intensity and lack of constructive resolution, they can sometimes lead to a clear expression of feelings.
How can one effectively argue a point?
Effectively arguing a point involves presenting clear, logical reasons, supporting evidence, and listening to and addressing counterarguments respectfully.
Can arguing be constructive?
Yes, arguing can be constructive when it involves respectful, reasoned discussion aimed at understanding or resolution.
Do cultural differences affect how people argue or row?
Cultural differences can significantly affect how people argue or row, influencing their communication styles and tolerance for conflict.
What is an argument?
An argument is a discussion where parties present reasons or evidence to support their views, often aiming for a logical resolution.
Can arguments resolve conflicts?
Yes, arguments can resolve conflicts if conducted in a manner that values evidence, reason, and mutual respect.
How do emotions influence arguments and rows?
Emotions can fuel the intensity of both arguments and rows, but in arguments, there's usually an attempt to manage emotions to maintain clarity and focus.
Can a row lead to a resolution?
While rows are generally not focused on resolution, they can sometimes clear the air or serve as a catalyst for addressing underlying issues.
Is it normal to row in a relationship?
While it's common for couples to have disagreements, frequent rows might indicate deeper issues that could benefit from communication or counseling.
What are the risks of rowing in public?
Rowing in public can lead to embarrassment, misunderstanding, and sometimes legal consequences depending on the severity.
Can legal disputes be considered arguments or rows?
Legal disputes are more structured and resemble arguments rather than rows, as they rely on evidence, legal reasoning, and procedures.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
