Disputed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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disputed

[dɪˈspjuːtɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

law

Controversial or subject to disagreement.

Synonyms

contested, controverted, debated, disagreed upon.

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Word Description / Examples
disputed

Used when there is an argument or disagreement about something, often involving a serious or formal conflict.

  • The ownership of the land is disputed between the two countries
  • The results of the election were hotly disputed by the losing party
contested

Appropriate when there is a challenge or opposition against something, often in a competitive or formal setting.

  • The athlete contested his disqualification from the race
  • The will was contested by the deceased's relatives
debated

Appropriate when discussing an issue in a structured or organized manner, often involving different viewpoints.

  • The policy on climate change was debated for hours in the parliament
  • The pros and cons of the proposal were intensely debated by the committee
disagreed upon

Used when people have different opinions about something but it is less formal than 'disputed' and doesn't imply a serious conflict.

  • The terms of the agreement were disagreed upon by both parties
  • The best approach to solve the problem is still disagreed upon by the experts
controverted

Used in more formal or academic settings, when an idea, fact, or statement is questioned or opposed.

  • The scientist's theory was controverted by new evidence
  • The historical accuracy of the document has been controverted by several scholars

Examples of usage

  • The ownership of the land is disputed between the two parties.
  • His appointment as the leader was disputed by some members of the group.
  • The decision to implement the new policy was disputed by the employees.
  • The disputed territory has been a source of conflict for many years.
  • The company's financial records are disputed by the auditors.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Law

  • In legal contexts, a disputed contract may cause litigation, where parties argue before a judge.
  • Land disputes often involve lengthy negotiations and can drastically affect communities.

Politics

  • Disputed elections can lead to significant public unrest and challenges to authority.
  • Territorial disputes between countries can escalate into conflicts and necessitate international mediation.

History

  • Many famous historical events were triggered by disputed territories, such as the American Civil War over state rights.
  • Nation-building often involves resolving disputes over borders, land, and cultural claims.

Pop Culture

  • Reality TV shows often have contestants who dispute decisions made by judges, creating dramatic moments.
  • Disputed celebrity claims can make headlines, especially when they involve gossip or legal issues.

Origin of 'disputed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'disputed' comes from the Latin 'disputare', meaning to argue or discuss.
  • In the 15th century, the term was used in British English, related to arguments over property and rights.

The word 'disputed' originated from the Latin word 'disputare', which means 'to discuss or argue'. Over time, it evolved to encompass the idea of controversy or disagreement. The term has been used in legal contexts to refer to issues that are in dispute or subject to disagreement. In modern usage, 'disputed' is commonly employed to describe situations or topics that are contentious or under debate.


See also: disputable, disputably, disputant, disputatious, disputatiously, disputatiousness, dispute, disputes, disputing, indisputable, indisputably, undisputed.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,816 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.