Strife Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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strife
[straɪf ]
Definition
conflict situation
Strife refers to the bitter conflict, struggle, or discord that arises between individuals, groups, or nations. It often implies prolonged or intense disagreements or clashes that can lead to violence or social upheaval. Strife is usually marked by a lack of harmony and can encompass various forms of disputes, whether they are political, social, or personal in nature. The term highlights the severity and depth of discord rather than mere disagreements.
Synonyms
conflict, discord, dispute, friction, struggle.
Examples of usage
- The strife between the two neighbors escalated over noise complaints.
- Political strife has caused instability in the region.
- Their strife was compounded by differing values and beliefs.
- The workers went on strike to resolve labor strife with management.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- Strife is a common theme in many literary works, often representing internal and external conflicts that characters must overcome.
- In Shakespeare's plays, such as 'Romeo and Juliet', strife between families propels the tragic narrative.
Psychology
- Strife can lead to stress and anxiety, affecting mental health and relationships.
- Studies show that unresolved strife can have long-lasting effects on emotional well-being, causing rifts in relationships.
History
- Throughout history, many wars and conflicts have arisen from strife, illustrating the human tendency to face conflict in pursuit of resolution.
- Notably, the strife between the Capulets and Montagues in 16th-century Italy reflects real societal conflicts of the time.
Pop Culture
- Many movies and songs explore themes of strife and conflict, depicting characters overcoming personal and social struggles.
- Television shows like 'Game of Thrones' explore complex political strife, highlighting the effects of power and betrayal.
Origin of 'strife'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French 'estrif', meaning 'dispute' or 'quarrel', which means it has a long history in describing conflict.
- Its roots can be traced back to the Latin 'distringere', meaning 'to stretch apart', indicating the division caused by conflict.
The word 'strife' originates from the Old French term 'estrife', which means 'quarrel' or 'struggle'. It can be traced further back to the Latin word 'discrepare', meaning 'to disagree' or 'to be discordant'. This Latin root reflects the essence of strife as a state of disagreement or conflict. The usage of the term in English began around the 14th century, encapsulating concepts of competition and rivalry. Over time, strife has been used in both secular and religious contexts, often to describe the struggles faced at an individual or collective level, especially in terms of moral or ethical dilemmas. In literature and rhetoric, strife is commonly employed to depict human conflict and the tumultuous nature of social dynamics.