Dispute
/dɪˈspjuːt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo engage in argument or debate; to challenge or question.
/dɪˈspjuːt/
To argue or debate about something; to question the truth or validity of something.
The two teams are disputing the referee's call.
💡 Simply: Imagine you and your friend are arguing about who's right about something. That's a dispute! Like, "We disputed whether pizza or tacos are better for dinner."
👶 For kids: When you argue with someone about something, that's a dispute!
More Examples
They disputed the accuracy of the financial reports.
The scientists disputed each other's findings during the conference.
How It's Used
"The lawyers disputed the evidence presented by the prosecution."
"The two countries are disputing the ownership of the territory."
A disagreement or argument.
/dɪˈspjuːt/
A disagreement or argument about something.
The neighbors had a heated dispute over the fence.
💡 Simply: A dispute is like a disagreement, a squabble, or a fight about something. Like when siblings have a dispute over who gets the last cookie.
👶 For kids: A dispute is when people are arguing about something.
More Examples
The dispute was settled in mediation.
A dispute arose between the two parties regarding the terms of the contract.
How It's Used
"The dispute over the will took several years to resolve."
"They had a minor dispute over the bill."
Synonyms
Argue
Challenge
Contest
Debate
Argument
Controversy
Disagreement
Idioms & expressions
beyond dispute
Undeniable or unquestionable.
"The evidence was beyond dispute; the suspect was clearly guilty."
From Middle English *disputen*, from Old French *disputer* (“to argue, debate”), from Latin *disputāre* (“to consider, discuss”), from *dis-* (“apart, asunder”) + *putāre* (“to reckon, think”).
Historically used in legal and religious contexts to denote formal arguments or debates.
Memory tip
Think of a 'dis-pute' as putting something apart through argument.