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[beg the
question] {v. phr.}, {literary} To accept as true something that is still being
argued about, before it is proved true; avoid or not answer a question or
problem.
The girls asked Miss Smith if they should wear formal dresses to the
party; Miss Smith said they were begging the question because they didn't know
yet if they could get permission for a party.
Laura told Tom that he
must believe her argument because she was right. Father laughed and told Laura she
was begging the question.
Compare: TAKE FOR
GRANTED.
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