Argumenter vs. soutenir
While both argumenter and soutenir can be translated as "to argue" in English, they focus on different parts of a debate. Argumenter refers to the process of giving reasons and logic to convince someone, whereas soutenir refers to the act of asserting a position, claiming something is true, or defending a formal thesis.
Argumenter
B1This verb focuses on the act of reasoning. It means to providing a set of arguments, explanations, or logical proofs to justify a point of view or to persuade an audience. It implies a detailed explanation of why something is correct.
L'avocat a dû argumenter pendant deux heures pour prouver l'innocence de son client.
(The lawyer had to argue for two hours to prove his client's innocence.)
Il ne suffit pas de donner ton avis, tu dois aussi argumenter.
(It is not enough to give your opinion, you also have to argue your case.)
Elle a bien argumenté en faveur de la protection de l'environnement.
(She argued well in favor of environmental protection.)
Pour obtenir une augmentation, il faut savoir argumenter auprès de son patron.
(To get a raise, you need to know how to argue your case to your boss.)
L'étudiant a mal argumenté sa réponse dans la dissertation.
(The student argued his answer poorly in the essay.)
Soutenir
B2In the context of argument, this implies maintaining, asserting, or claiming that something is true, often firmly or against opposition. It is also the standard term used for defending a doctoral thesis. It focuses on the stance taken rather than the list of reasons.
Il continue de soutenir que la Terre est plate malgré les preuves.
(He continues to argue that the Earth is flat despite the evidence.)
Je soutiens que cette stratégie est la seule solution viable.
(I maintain that this strategy is the only viable solution.)
Elle va soutenir sa thèse de doctorat le mois prochain.
(She is going to argue (defend) her doctoral thesis next month.)
Le témoin a soutenu avoir vu l'accusé au parc ce soir-là.
(The witness claimed to have seen the accused at the park that night.)
Ils soutiennent l'idée qu'une réforme est nécessaire.
(They support the idea that a reform is necessary.)
Summary
Use argumenter when you are talking about the method of explaining, debating, and providing logic. Use soutenir when you are talking about asserting a fact, maintaining a specific belief, or formally defending a thesis.