Argumentar vs. sostener
While both words can be translated as "to argue" in the sense of stating a case, they focus on different parts of the communication. Argumentar focuses on the act of providing reasoning and logic to persuade, whereas sostener emphasizes the act of maintaining or firmly asserting a specific position or opinion.
Argumentar
B2This verb refers to the process of giving reasons, evidence, or logic to support a conclusion or confuse an opponent. If you use argumentar, you are explaining *why* you think something is true.
El abogado argumentó que su cliente actuó en defensa propia.
(The lawyer argued that his client acted in self-defense.)
Es difícil argumentar contra hechos científicos probados.
(It is difficult to argue against proven scientific facts.)
Ella argumentó muy bien su punto de vista durante el debate.
(She argued her point of view very well during the debate.)
Los estudiantes tienen que aprender a argumentar sus ideas con claridad.
(Students have to learn to argue their ideas with clarity.)
Él argumentó que el precio era demasiado alto para la calidad ofrecida.
(He argued that the price was too high for the quality offered.)
Sostener
B2In the context of a debate or discussion, this defines the act of maintaining, asserting, or holding a firm opinion or theory. Unlike argumentar, which implies a flow of logic, sostener implies standing firm on a statement, often in the face of doubt or opposition.
El testigo sostuvo que vio al sospechoso entrar en el banco.
(The witness maintained that he saw the suspect enter the bank.)
A pesar de la evidencia, el político sostuvo que no hizo nada malo.
(Despite the evidence, the politician maintained that he did nothing wrong.)
Siempre he sostenido que la educación es lo más importante.
(I have always held that education is the most important thing.)
Los científicos sostienen que el cambio climático es irreversible.
(Scientists argue that climate change is irreversible.)
Ella sostuvo su mirada y reafirmó su inocencia.
(She held her gaze and reasserted her innocence.)
Summary
Use argumentar when you are listing reasons, providing logic, or trying to persuade someone through explanation. Use sostener when you are firmly asserting a claim, maintaining a belief, or holding onto a theory over time.