counter-argument

[/ˈkaʊntər ˈɑːrɡjumənt/]
nounpl: counter-arguments
contra-argumento
1. an argument or set of reasons put forward to oppose or refute another argument
His counter-argument challenged the validity of the original proposal.
Seu contra-argumento questionou a validade da proposta original.
2. a response that presents opposing evidence or logic to weaken an existing claim
She presented a strong counter-argument during the debate.
Ela apresentou um contra-argumento forte durante o debate.
The term 'counter-argument' is widely used in academic, legal, and business discussions in both the USA and Brazil. In Brazilian Portuguese academia, 'contra-argumento' is standard in formal writing and debates. In Portugal, 'argumento contrário' is also commonly used alongside 'contra-argumento'. The concept reflects Western rhetorical traditions emphasizing logical debate and critical thinking.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
rebuttalrefutationobjectionopposing argumentcounterpoint
Antonyms / Antônimos
agreementsupportendorsement

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
contra-argumento
most common and neutral term used in academic and professional contexts
Rio de Janeiro
contra-argumento
standard usage; sometimes informally as 'o contraponto'
São Paulo
contra-argumento
preferred in business and academic environments
Portugal
contra-argumento
identical to Brazilian Portuguese; also 'argumento contrário' is used

Related Words

argumentdebaterhetoriclogicreasoningdispute

Related Idioms & Phrases

present a counter-argument
raise a counter-argument
offer a counter-argument
meet with a counter-argument
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