Quarrelsome: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ‘ฟ
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quarrelsome

 

[หˆkwษ’r.ษ™l.sษ™m ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

in a disagreement

Likely to argue or disagree with others; contentious.

Synonyms

argumentative, combative, contentious, disputatious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
quarrelsome

Used when describing someone who frequently engages in arguments or disagreements in a petty or unnecessary way. Often has a negative connotation.

  • He has a quarrelsome nature, always finding something to argue about.
  • The team's progress was hindered by a quarrelsome member who disagreed with every decision.
argumentative

Best suited for describing someone who likes debating or discussing ideas, sometimes to the point of being annoying. Can be used in both neutral and negative tones depending on context.

  • She is known for her argumentative style, always ready to challenge others' opinions.
  • The meeting was prolonged by his argumentative comments about every suggestion.
contentious

Appropriate for describing situations, issues, or people that cause a lot of disagreement and debate. It usually implies that the subject is controversial.

  • The new policy on taxes has proven to be highly contentious.
  • Her contentious remarks during the meeting sparked a heated debate.
combative

Used to describe someone who has an aggressive, ready-to-fight attitude. It often implies a more intense or physical confrontation.

  • His combative nature makes him difficult to work with in team projects.
  • The media portrayed the politician as combative during the debate.
disputatious

Best for formal or academic contexts to describe someone who likes to argue or debate, often in a scholarly manner. It carries a neutral to slightly negative tone.

  • The professor was known for his disputatious lectures, which often led to lively discussions.
  • Her disputatious nature made her a frequent participant in debates.

Examples of usage

  • He had a quarrelsome nature and always seemed to be in conflict with someone.
  • The quarrelsome neighbors were constantly bickering over petty issues.
  • She avoided inviting her quarrelsome relatives to family gatherings to prevent arguments.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'quarrel', which means 'a complaint or a disagreement'.
  • It derives from the Old French word 'quarrel', meaning 'to complain, to argue'.
  • The root of 'quarrel' can be traced back to the Latin word 'quadratum', meaning 'square', implying a place for conflict.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that quarrelsome behavior can stem from unresolved emotions or past negative experiences.
  • People who are quarrelsome may struggle with anger management or have difficulty in social interactions.
  • Conflict resolution training can help reduce quarrelsome tendencies in individuals.

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's plays, characters often display quarrelsome traits, leading to dramatic conflicts and character developments.
  • Classic novels frequently feature quarrelsome characters that drive the plot and reveal themes of struggle and resolution.
  • Poets sometimes use quarrelsome scenes to symbolize deeper human conflicts and emotions.

Cultural Aspects

  • In some cultures, arguing openly is seen as a normal part of discussing important issues, while in others, it might be frowned upon.
  • Quarrelsome behavior can be associated with passionate cultures where debate is a form of communication.
  • Certain traditional games or sports involve competition and can evoke quarrelsome behavior among players.

Pop Culture

  • Many TV shows use quarrelsome characters for comedic effect, highlighting absurdity in conflict.
  • Reality shows often thrive on quarrelsome dynamics to engage viewers and enhance drama.
  • Quarrelsome relationships are a common trope in movies, reflecting real-life emotional struggles.

Translations

Translations of the word "quarrelsome" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น briguento

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคเค—เคกเคผเคพเคฒเฅ‚

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช streitsรผchtig

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ suka bertengkar

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะฒะฐั€ะปะธะฒะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ kล‚รณtliwy

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‘ใ‚“ใ‹ๅฅฝใใช

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท querelleur

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ pendenciero

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kavgacฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์‹ธ์šฐ๊ธฐ ์ข‹์•„ํ•˜๋Š”

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุดุงูƒุณ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hรกdavรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ hรกdkavรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅฅฝไบ‰ๅต็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ prepiren

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ deilugjarn

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ าฑั€ั‹ัา›ะฐา›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒแƒ›แƒแƒ—แƒ˜แƒแƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dalaลŸqan

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ pendenciero

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,974, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.