noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

quarrel

KWORL

Quarrel (noun) means an angry argument or dispute, especially between people who know each other. Example: “The neighbors had a quarrel over the fence line.”

noun

An angry argument or dispute, especially between people who know each other.

"The neighbors had a quarrel over the fence line."

"It was a silly quarrel that blew over by the next day."

verb

To argue angrily or fall out with someone.

"The brothers quarreled constantly as teenagers."

"They quarreled over money for years before finally making up."

How to use quarrel

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA heated disagreement, or the act of having one.

Common mistake

You quarrel WITH someone, not "against" them.

Common pairings

have a quarrel quarrel with someone pick a quarrel

Word forms

quarreled past tense, quarrelled past tense, quarrels plural, quarrel plural, quarrelled plural, quarrels plural, quarrels singular, quarrel singular, quarrelled singular, quarrelest singular, quarrellest singular, quarrelledst singular, quarreleth singular, quarrelleth singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The neighbors had a _____ over the fence line.

Etymology

From Old French querele, "complaint, dispute," from Latin querela, "complaint," ultimately from queri, "to complain."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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argument dispute row squabble feud spat

Related words

line course words conflict argument debate row argue

Rhymes for quarrel

barrel

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Frequently asked questions

What does “quarrel” mean?

The word “quarrel” means an angry argument or dispute, especially between people who know each other. In plain terms, a heated disagreement, or the act of having one.

How do you pronounce “quarrel”?

“Quarrel” is pronounced KWORL (/ˈkwɔɹəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “quarrel” in a sentence?

Here is “quarrel” used in a sentence: “The neighbors had a quarrel over the fence line.”

What part of speech is “quarrel”?

Depending on how it is used, “quarrel” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “quarrel” come from?

The word “quarrel” comes from Latin. From Old French querele, "complaint, dispute," from Latin querela, "complaint," ultimately from queri, "to complain.".

Is “quarrel” a common word?

“Quarrel” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “quarrel” have?

“Quarrel” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an angry argument or dispute, especially between people who know each other.

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