note row
B1Informal
Definition
Meaning
An argument, dispute, or period of noisy disagreement; also, a continuous, often loud, sound.
A linear arrangement of objects or people; a queue (British).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun meaning 'argument,' it is countable ('a row'). As a noun meaning 'line/queue,' it is countable. As a verb meaning 'to argue noisily,' it is intransitive. The pronunciation differs between meanings.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The noun 'row' meaning 'line/queue' is primarily British (e.g., 'a row of houses,' 'stand in a row'). The verb and noun related to 'argument' are common in both, but the pronunciation /raʊ/ is universal for that meaning.
Connotations
In BrE, 'row' (/raʊ/) implies a loud, often public or familial dispute. It can also neutrally mean 'line.' In AmE, 'row' is almost exclusively the argument sense; 'line' is used instead of the 'queue' meaning.
Frequency
The 'argument' sense is common in both dialects. The 'line/queue' sense is high-frequency in BrE but rare in AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to row (with sb) (about/over sth)to have a row (with sb)a row (between A and B) (about/over sth)a row of [houses/chairs]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “kick up a row (make a noisy complaint)”
- “a row of beans (BrE, a line of bean plants; AmE idiom 'not know beans' is different)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Common in phrases like 'a boardroom row over strategy' or 'a row with suppliers.'
Academic
Rare, except in historical/political contexts describing disputes.
Everyday
Very common for domestic or interpersonal arguments ('We had a row about money').
Technical
In computing/data, 'row' refers to a horizontal line in a table or spreadsheet (/roʊ/ or /rəʊ/).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They row all the time about politics.
- I could hear the neighbours rowing last night.
American English
- The couple is rowing over finances again.
- They rowed loudly for hours.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
- N/A
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
- N/A
adjective
British English
- Row houses are common in London. (pronounced /rəʊ/)
- Not typically used as an adjective for 'argument'.
American English
- Row houses are found in older cities. (pronounced /roʊ/)
- Not used as adjective for argument.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children sat in a row.
- They had a small row.
- We had a big row about the holiday plans.
- Please stand in a straight row.
- The public row between the minister and the journalist lasted for weeks.
- A neat row of poplar trees lined the drive.
- The bitter row over inheritance threatened to tear the family apart.
- The data was organized into rows and columns for analysis.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a ROW of people standing in a line, suddenly having a loud ROW (/raʊ/) about who was there first.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARGUMENT IS WAR ('They had a fierce row.'); ORDER IS A LINE ('Plant the seeds in a neat row.').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate 'row' (/rəʊ/ - line) as 'гребец' (rower). 'Ряд' is the correct translation for 'line/queue.'
- Do not confuse 'row' (/raʊ/ - argument) with 'шум' (noise). It's a specific type of noisy conflict.
- The verb 'to row' (as in rowing a boat) is pronounced the same as the 'line' noun (/rəʊ/), which is a false friend for the 'argument' noun.
Common Mistakes
- Pronouncing the 'argument' row as /rəʊ/ (incorrect).
- Using 'row' for 'queue' in American English (sounds odd).
- Misspelling 'row' as 'roe' (fish eggs).
Practice
Quiz
In British English, what does 'I stood in a row for an hour' MOST LIKELY mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The 'argument' meaning is pronounced /raʊ/ (rhymes with 'now'). The 'line' meaning is pronounced /rəʊ/ in BrE and /roʊ/ in AmE (rhymes with 'go').
No, it would be misunderstood. Americans use 'line' (e.g., 'stand in line'). Using 'row' for queue is a clear Britishism.
It is informal. In formal writing, words like 'dispute,' 'disagreement,' or 'altercation' are preferred.
It is intransitive. You row *with* someone *about* something. You cannot 'row someone' in this sense (that would mean to hit them!).