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Both can translate as 'discutir', but one is neutral and the other implies conflict.
Side-by-side comparison
"Discuss" means to talk about a topic in an orderly way, sharing points of view. It implies no conflict; it is a calm conversation or debate.
Let's discuss the project plan.
We discussed our travel plans over dinner.
The team needs to discuss the budget.
"Argue" means to dispute or debate with disagreement, sometimes heatedly. It can mean defending a position with arguments, or having a verbal fight.
They argued about money for hours.
Stop arguing! Try to find a solution.
She argued that the policy was unfair.
Common mistake
- •"We need to argue the new strategy" in a work meeting is wrong: for a calm exchange of ideas use "discuss".
- •"Argue" implies disagreement and tension, not an analytical conversation.
Trick to remember it
- •"Discuss" = calm exchange of ideas (meetings, classes).
- •"Argue" = opposing positions with tension (a fight, a debate).
- •Exception: in academic writing "The author argues that..." is neutral and means "presents a reasoned position".
Quick rule
- •Calm conversation to analyze something? "Discuss".
- •Disagreement and tension? "Argue". (Academic exception: "argue" = present a reasoned position).
Did you know?
"Argue" has a completely neutral formal academic use: "The author argues that..." simply means "the author claims that..." with no implication of a fight or conflict. Academic papers are full of "argues", "argues for", "argues against", all presenting reasoned positions. Context is everything: in a work meeting, "discuss" is always more appropriate; in an academic essay, "argues" is the standard term.
Practise what you learned
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
The two friends _____ d for hours about which film to watch, but couldn't agree.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
Let's _____ the problem calmly and find a solution together.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Related word pairs
Both mean 'to say', but 'tell' always needs to know who receives the message.
"Above" is at a higher level without contact; "over" implies covering, movement, or crossing.
'Currently' means 'at the present time'; 'actually' means 'in reality', not 'nowadays'.
"Actually" corrects or contrasts an assumption; "really" intensifies or confirms.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy