incremental argument

[ɪnˈkremənəl ˈɑrɡjumənt]
nounpl: incremental arguments
argumento incremental
1. A logical argument that builds a case through small, successive steps or additions, where each step adds to the overall position without necessarily being individually decisive
The prosecutor used an incremental argument, presenting evidence piece by piece to gradually build a compelling case.
O promotor usou um argumento incremental, apresentando provas peça por peça para construir gradualmente um caso convincente.
2. In policy or debate, an approach that supports change through gradual, step-by-step modifications rather than radical transformation
Environmental advocates made an incremental argument for reducing carbon emissions through yearly policy adjustments.
Os defensores do meio ambiente fizeram um argumento incremental para reduzir as emissões de carbono através de ajustes anuais de políticas.
3. A reasoning strategy that accumulates minor points to reach a significant conclusion
The lawyer's incremental argument connected several small details that ultimately proved the defendant's guilt.
O argumento incremental do advogado conectou vários pequenos detalhes que finalmente provaram a culpa do réu.
The incremental argument is valued in Anglo-American legal tradition and Brazilian juridical practice as a sound rhetorical strategy. In both cultures, it represents reasoned debate and careful deliberation rather than emotional appeals. It's particularly common in courtroom proceedings, policy debates, and academic discussions where systematic reasoning is respected.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
cumulative argumentstep-by-step argumentprogressive argumentstaged argumentadditive reasoning
Antonyms / Antônimos
radical argumentrevolutionary argumentsweeping argumentcategorical argumentmonolithic argument

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
argumento incremental
Standard usage in academic and legal contexts
Portugal
argumento incremental
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; used in formal discourse
São Paulo
argumento incremental
Common in business and legal environments
General USA
incremental argument
Frequently used in law, politics, and business strategy discussions

Related Words

incremental changeincremental progresslogical fallacyrhetorical strategycumulative effectgradual approachpersuasion technique

Related Idioms & Phrases

build a case brick by brick
death by a thousand cuts
one step at a time
piece it together
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →