conflict
B1Neutral formal
Definition
Meaning
A serious disagreement, argument, or prolonged struggle, often involving opposing ideas, interests, or forces.
An incompatibility or clash between two or more opinions, principles, interests, narratives, or emotional states. Can refer to an internal psychological struggle or a large-scale armed clash.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, it refers to the state of disagreement itself. As a verb, it means to be incompatible, clash, or contradict. The verb form is less frequent and more formal than the noun.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Stress patterns differ: Noun is /ˈkɒn.flɪkt/ (UK) vs /ˈkɑːn.flɪkt/ (US). Verb is /kənˈflɪkt/ in both, but US usage more commonly employs 'conflict' as a verb in corporate/business contexts (e.g., 'The meetings conflict').
Connotations
Largely identical. In military/political contexts, 'conflict' is a standard term in both varieties.
Frequency
The noun is high-frequency in both. The verb is moderately common in formal/academic writing in both, but slightly more prevalent in American professional jargon.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be in conflict with [sb/sth]come into conflict with [sb/sth]conflict with [sth]a conflict between [A] and [B]a conflict over [sth]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A conflict of interest”
- “To be torn by conflict (internal)”
- “At loggerheads (in conflict)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to scheduling clashes, disagreements between departments, or 'conflicts of interest' in ethics policies.
Academic
Used in history (military conflict), psychology (internal conflict), sociology (social conflict), and literature (narrative conflict).
Everyday
Describes arguments in relationships, disagreements with friends, or clashing schedules (e.g., 'The party conflicts with my shift').
Technical
In project management or software, refers to version control 'merge conflicts'. In international relations, categorizes types of warfare (e.g., 'asymmetric conflict').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The witness's statement conflicted with the CCTV footage.
- I'm afraid the training day conflicts with a prior engagement.
American English
- The proposed budget conflicts with our department's goals.
- If your personal interests conflict with your job, you must disclose it.
adverb
British English
- No direct adverb. Use 'conflictingly' (very rare). Typically rephrased: 'He spoke conflictingly about the plans.' -> 'His statements about the plans were conflicting.'
American English
- Same as British. The adverb is virtually unused in natural language.
adjective
British English
- No standalone adjective. Used in compounds: 'conflict-ridden region', 'conflict-sensitive approach'.
American English
- No standalone adjective. Used in compounds: 'conflict-resolution skills', 'conflict-of-interest form'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My brother and I had a small conflict over the TV remote.
- There is no conflict between us; we are good friends.
- The conflict between the two neighbours lasted for years.
- Her work schedule conflicts with her evening classes.
- The report highlights the inherent conflict between economic growth and environmental protection.
- He was torn by an inner conflict, unsure whether to stay or go.
- The peace talks aim to de-escalate the protracted ethnic conflict in the region.
- The researcher's findings conflict with the prevailing theoretical paradigm, suggesting a need for revision.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CON' (together/against) and 'FLICT' (like 'inflict' – to strike). A conflict is where opposing sides inflict strikes upon each other, literally or figuratively.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONFLICT IS WAR ('wage a conflict', 'battle', 'front line'), CONFLICT IS A JOURNEY ('path to resolution', 'way out of conflict'), CONFLICT IS HEAT ('heated argument', 'friction', 'boiling point').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating Russian 'конфликт' always as 'conflict'. For a one-off 'ссора' or 'спор', use 'argument', 'quarrel', or 'dispute'. 'Conflict' implies a more serious, prolonged state.
- In Russian, 'война' (war) is a sub-type of 'конфликт'. In English, 'war' is a more specific, severe term; not all conflicts are wars.
- The verb 'to conflict' is less common. Don't force it where 'clash', 'disagree with', or 'contradict' is more natural.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect stress: saying /ˈkɒn.flɪkt/ for the verb. (Correct: /kənˈflɪkt/)
- Using as a countable noun with wrong article: 'He has a conflict with her.' (Correct: 'He is in conflict with her' or 'There is a conflict between them.')
- Overusing where 'problem' or 'argument' suffices.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'conflict' used as a VERB?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Fight' often implies a physical or direct, active struggle between individuals or groups. 'Conflict' is broader, describing a state of opposition that can be prolonged, abstract (e.g., of ideas), internal, or not yet violent. A fight is often a single event within a larger conflict.
In certain contexts, yes. Constructive conflict in teams or debate can lead to better ideas and solutions. It implies engagement with differing viewpoints, not just destructive strife.
The key difference is stress. For the NOUN, stress the first syllable: CON-flict. For the VERB, stress the second syllable: con-FLICT. This pattern (stress shift) is common in English (e.g., record, permit).
Yes, 'conflict' is a countable noun when referring to a specific instance or type (e.g., 'a border conflict', 'several conflicts'). It can be uncountable when referring to the general concept or state (e.g., 'a time of conflict', 'full of conflict').
Collections
Part of a collection
Relationships
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B2 · 47 words · Vocabulary for discussing world problems and politics.
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Literary Language
C1 · 48 words · Vocabulary for reading and writing about literature.
Social Theory
C1 · 47 words · Advanced vocabulary for sociology and social science.