Quarrelsomeness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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quarrelsomeness

[ˈkwɒrəlsəmnəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

in relationships

The quality of being argumentative or prone to disputes.

Synonyms

belligerence, contentiousness, disputatiousness.

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Word Description / Examples
quarrelsomeness

This word is used to describe someone who is inclined to argue or fight, often over minor issues. It has a negative connotation.

  • Her quarrelsomeness made it difficult for the team to work together harmoniously.
  • He exhibited signs of quarrelsomeness in every meeting, disagreeing with others for the sake of argument.
contentiousness

This word refers to a tendency to provoke disputes or disagreements. It is often used in contexts where debates or arguments occur frequently, sometimes with a neutral connotation.

  • His contentiousness made every meeting a challenge, as he always found something to debate.
  • The policy change sparked contentiousness among the members of the community.
belligerence

This term is used to describe an aggressive or warlike attitude, behavior, or stance. It suggests hostility and a readiness to fight.

  • The belligerence in his voice suggested he was ready for a confrontation.
  • The nation's belligerence threatened to escalate the conflict.
disputatiousness

This term is used to describe a person who tends to argue or dispute issues frequently. It often has a negative connotation and suggests excessive or unnecessary arguing.

  • Her disputatiousness often alienated her colleagues.
  • He became known for his disputatiousness, always challenging others' opinions.

Examples of usage

  • She couldn't stand his constant quarrelsomeness.
  • His quarrelsomeness often led to heated arguments.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Quarrelsomeness can be linked to certain personality traits, such as aggressiveness or high neuroticism.
  • People displaying this tendency may struggle with conflict resolution and social interactions.
  • Studies suggest that quarrelsome individuals often perceive situations more negatively, leading to increased disagreements.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, being quarrelsome might be seen as assertiveness, while in others, it could be deemed socially unacceptable.
  • Literature has often depicted quarrelsome characters as comic relief or as antagonists to create tension in the story.
  • Famous quarrels in history, from political disputes to literary feuds, illustrate how quarrelsomeness can shape narratives.

Literature

  • Characters like Katherina from Shakespeare's 'The Taming of the Shrew' embody a quarrelsome nature, adding depth and conflict to the play.
  • Many classic novels use quarrelsomeness to explore themes of morality, justice, and personal growth.
  • The depiction of quarrelsome relationships can effectively highlight societal issues, such as class struggles or familial conflict.

Conflict Resolution

  • Understanding the roots of quarrelsomeness can help in developing skills for effective communication and conflict resolution.
  • Workshops often focus on managing quarrelsome behavior to improve teamwork and cooperation in both personal and professional settings.
  • Positive psychology encourages practices that reduce quarrelsomeness, promoting empathy and understanding in interactions.

Origin of 'quarrelsomeness'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the root word 'quarrel,' which dates back to the 14th century and means 'to argue or dispute.'
  • It combines the old French 'quarrel' and Latin 'quaerere,' which means 'to seek' or 'to ask.'
  • The '-some' suffix indicates a tendency, thus frame the word as indicating someone who often engages in arguments.

The word 'quarrelsomeness' originated from the combination of 'quarrel,' which comes from the Old French word 'quarreller' meaning 'to contend,' and the suffix '-some' meaning 'characterized by.' It first appeared in the English language in the mid-16th century.


See also: quarreler, quarreling, quarrelsome.