Tiff: meaning, definitions and examples

A tiff is a small, minor argument or disagreement, usually between friends or close people. It is short-lived and often about trivial things.

• Sarah and Jane had a little tiff over who should pay for lunch.
• They've been friends for years, so their occasional tiffs never last long.

An argument generally refers to a more serious discussion where two or more people express differing opinions forcefully. It can be used in both personal and professional contexts.

• They got into an argument about politics at the dinner table.
• The team had an argument over the best way to approach the project.

A disagreement is a broader term that describes a situation where two or more people do not share the same opinion. It is often used in a formal or neutral tone.

• There was a disagreement among the shareholders about the company's future direction.
• We had a disagreement over how to allocate the budget.

A quarrel is a heated argument or disagreement, typically with anger and strong emotions involved. It often suggests a more prolonged and serious conflict.

• They had a bitter quarrel over finances.
• After a big quarrel, they didn't speak to each other for days.

A spat is a short, petty argument, usually about an insignificant issue. It is similar to a tiff but can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation.

• John and Lisa had a spat over who left the dishes in the sink.
• It was just a minor spat and they made up quickly.