core argument

Main point made

The core argument is the central claim or thesis that everything else in a piece of reasoning supports.

In an essay, speech, or debate, peripheral points and evidence exist to strengthen the core argument: Strip away the examples and what's the core argument?

Her core argument is that regulation stifles innovation.

Related
  • thesisAcademic argument requiring defense
  • main pointEssential takeaway of something
  • premiseFoundation for logical argument
  • cruxMost important point
  • pointExact location or meaning

bottom line · stance · claim · position · essence · foundation · heart · kernel · backbone · thrust · gist · contention · assertion · case · reasoning · logic · supporting evidence · evidence

Categories
Opposites
centrality to discourse

core argumenttangent

Line touching curve once

digression · side note · minor detail · aside · non sequitur

logical structure

core argumentsupporting detail

Evidence bolstering a thesis

corollary · minor premise · elaboration · illustration · example

structural role

core argumentembellishment

Decorative addition or exaggeration

ornamentation · window dressing · flourish · decorative element · boilerplate

Family

core, argument, cores, cored, coring, hardcore, arguments, argue, argues

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G