Quarrel
'kwɒrəl
Definitions
2 meaningsA heated argument or disagreement.
'kwɒrəl
An angry argument or disagreement, typically between people who are usually on good terms.
The neighbors had a loud quarrel over the fence.
💡 Simply: Imagine two friends are arguing about whose turn it is to play a video game. A quarrel is like that, but maybe with more yelling!
👶 For kids: A quarrel is when people are yelling and arguing.
More Examples
Their quarrel quickly escalated into a physical fight.
They put aside their petty quarrels and focused on the common goal.
How It's Used
"The couple had a bitter quarrel about money."
"Shakespeare's plays often feature quarrels between family members or rivals."
To argue or dispute.
'kwɒrəl
Have an argument or disagreement.
The children constantly quarrel about whose turn it is to watch TV.
💡 Simply: Picture two friends are going back and forth arguing. When they are yelling, they are quarreling.
👶 For kids: When you yell at someone or argue, you're quarreling.
More Examples
They quarreled over the inheritance.
I hate to see them quarrel all the time.
How It's Used
"The siblings often quarrel over toys."
"They have been quarreling incessantly for weeks."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
pick a quarrel
To intentionally provoke or start an argument.
"He seemed to be picking a quarrel with anyone who crossed his path."
From Old French *querelle*, from Latin *querella* ("complaint, accusation").
The word "quarrel" has been used since the 13th century and originally described a complaint or accusation. Its usage evolved to encompass arguments and disagreements.
Memory tip
Think of a *quarrel* as a battle of words.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: querella