Dispute: meaning, definitions and examples

A disagreement or debate between opposing parties, usually more formal than an argument. Often used in legal, political, or business contexts.

• The two companies are involved in a legal dispute over patent rights

A heated exchange of diverging or opposite views, often emotional and personal. It doesn't necessarily imply a formal setting.

• They had an argument about where to go for vacation

A serious disagreement or clash that can be either personal or professional. It implies a more prolonged or severe nature than an argument.

• There is a conflict between the management and the employees over working conditions

A prolonged public dispute or debate, often involving strong opinions and differing views. This word carries a sense of publicity and widespread attention.

• The new policy has caused a lot of controversy among residents

A situation where people have different opinions or lack of consensus. It is generally less intense and less formal than a dispute.

• They had a minor disagreement about what to order for dinner

Used when people have a serious disagreement or argument about something important, often involving legal or formal settings.

• The two companies are in a legal dispute over the patent rights
• The neighbors have a dispute over the property boundary

Used when people express different opinions, often in a heated way, but not necessarily in a formal setting.

• They argue about politics all the time
• He likes to argue his point of view whenever there is a discussion

Used in a formal discussion or argument where people express different opinions on a particular topic, often following rules or procedures.

• The candidates debated the key issues during the election campaign
• They held a debate on the benefits of renewable energy

Used when people have an angry argument, often about something unimportant; generally carries a negative connotation.

• The couple quarreled over where to go on vacation
• They had a quarrel about who should take out the trash

Used when someone has a different opinion or thought from someone else, generally in a less confrontational way.

• I disagree with your opinion on this matter
• It's natural for people to disagree sometimes