What term means to make or defend a certain point in a discussion?

The term "argue" is used to describe the act of presenting reasons or evidence to support a particular viewpoint or position in a discussion. When someone argues, they engage in a process where they advocate for their perspective, often providing logical reasoning and examples to persuade others. This term encompasses both the act of defending one's point of view and the act of rebutting opposing perspectives, making it relevant in discussions, debates, and various forms of dialogue.

The other terms convey different meanings. "Negotiate" refers to the process of reaching an agreement through discussion, usually involving compromise, rather than just defending a viewpoint. "Debate" implies a formal discussion on opposing arguments, but it doesn’t specifically denote the act of making or defending a point by itself; instead, it represents a structured format where arguments are presented. "Assert" means to state confidently or declare something, but it does not necessarily involve the supporting evidence or reasoning implied by the term "argue." Thus, "argue" is the most suitable choice for making or defending a specific point in a discussion.