quarrel
MediumNeutral to informal
Definition
Meaning
A heated argument or disagreement, often between people who know each other.
Can refer to a dispute involving personal feelings, and as a verb, to engage in such a dispute.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a temporary conflict rather than a long-term feud; usable for both trivial and serious disputes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling; usage is similar, but in British English it may appear slightly more in formal contexts.
Connotations
In American English, it can sound somewhat old-fashioned; in British English, it retains a neutral, everyday tone.
Frequency
Slightly more common in British English, but frequently used in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
quarrel with someonequarrel over somethingquarrel about an issueVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “pick a quarrel”
- “quarrel with one's bread and butter”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely used; terms like 'dispute' or 'conflict' are preferred.
Academic
Not typical; 'debate' or 'controversy' is more common.
Everyday
Common for describing personal arguments among friends or family.
Technical
Generally not used; in legal contexts, 'dispute' is standard.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They often quarrel about the weather.
American English
- They frequently quarrel over politics.
adjective
British English
- He has a quarrelsome disposition.
American English
- She is known for her quarrelsome attitude.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I had a quarrel with my sister.
- They quarreled over who should wash the dishes.
- The quarrel between the colleagues affected team morale.
- Scholars occasionally quarrel about the nuances of historical events.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'quarrel' as 'quar' (like quarter) and 'rel' (like relative) – imagine relatives having a quarter of an argument.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARGUMENT IS WAR; e.g., 'They quarreled fiercely.'
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Might translate directly to 'ссора', but 'quarrel' is often less formal and more personal than 'argument' in English.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'quarrel' as a transitive verb, e.g., 'He quarreled her.' Correct: 'He quarreled with her.'
Practice
Quiz
Which word is a close synonym for 'quarrel'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is neutral to informal and commonly used in everyday language.
Yes, it can function as both, e.g., 'They had a quarrel' (noun) and 'They quarrel often' (verb).
'Quarrel' often implies a more personal or heated dispute, while 'argument' can be more general and less emotional.
In British English, it is pronounced /ˈkwɒr.əl/.