quarrel
gb/kwˈɔɹəl/ us/kwˈɔɹəl/
B1
English
~ 2800
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
event
1
an angry argument
A loud or angry talk between people who disagree.
Usage pattern:
a quarrel between [people] about [something]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'quarrel' with 'fight'; 'fight' can mean physical violence, while 'quarrel' is only verbal.
Synonyms
argument (More general; can be calm or heated, while 'quarrel' usually implies anger and personal tension.)
|
dispute (Formal or legal contexts; less emotional than 'quarrel'.)
Antonyms
agreement (Represents a state of harmony or shared opinion, opposite to conflict.)
|
harmony (Suggests peaceful and friendly relations, the opposite of a quarrel.)
Collocations
have a quarrel
|family quarrel
|long-standing quarrel
|quarrel over money
Themes
emotions
|relationships
|conflict
|communication
Examples
- They had a quarrel about whose turn it was to do the dishes.
- The siblings’ quarrel lasted for days.
- A minor quarrel between friends can sometimes end a long relationship.
- The neighbors have been in a quarrel over the fence for months.
Learner examples
- My friend and I had a quarrel about the game.
- The brothers had a quarrel over the TV remote.
- She had a quarrel with her sister about clothes.
- They had a quarrel about where to go.
Verb
B1
action
2
to argue angrily
To talk in an angry way because you do not agree.
Usage pattern:
to quarrel with [someone] about [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'quarrel' without 'with' when referring to the person; correct is 'quarrel with someone'.
Synonyms
argue (More general; can be heated or calm, while 'quarrel' usually implies personal anger.)
|
bicker (Refers to frequent, petty arguing; often lighter than 'quarrel'.)
Antonyms
agree (Indicates shared opinion or acceptance, which is the opposite of quarreling.)
|
reconcile (Means to restore friendly relations after disagreement.)
Collocations
quarrel bitterly
|often quarrel
|quarrel constantly
|quarrel over small things
Themes
emotions
|relationships
|conflict
|communication
Examples
- They often quarrel about money.
- I don’t want to quarrel with you over something so small.
- The two leaders quarreled about trade policy.
- They quarreled constantly during their trip.
Learner examples
- I do not want to quarrel with you.
- They quarrel about small things every day.
- My parents sometimes quarrel about money.
- We never quarrel with our friends.
Noun
literary
C1
entity
3
a crossbow bolt
A short arrow used in a crossbow.
Synonyms
bolt (Common term for a missile shot from a crossbow; interchangeable with 'quarrel' in this sense.)
Collocations
iron-headed quarrel
|shoot a quarrel
Themes
weapons
|history
|sports
|arts_entertainment
Examples
- The knight loaded a quarrel into his crossbow.
- A quarrel struck the target with a loud thud.
- He carried a pouch of quarrels for hunting.
Learner examples
- The soldier put a quarrel in his crossbow.
- A quarrel hit the wall.
- He has many quarrels for his crossbow.
Grammar
Dictionary form
quarrel
IPA
GB/kwˈɔɹəl/
US/kwˈɔɹəl/
Syllables & stress
quar - rel (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (quar)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: quarrel
- Plural: quarrels
Verb
- Base: quarrel
- 3rd Person Singular: quarrels
- Present Participle: quarreling, quarrelling
- Past: quarreled, quarrelled
Word family
Forms
quarrels
noun
quarreling
verb
quarrelling
verb
quarreled
verb
quarrelled
verb
Core family
quarrelsome
adjective C1
Related words
quarreller
noun
quarreler
noun
Advanced or less common
quarrelsomely
adverb
quarrelsomeness
noun
Expressions
pick a quarrel
1/pˈɪk ə kwˈɔɹəl/
idiom
to start an argument on purpose
To try to make someone argue with you.
Examples
- He was looking to pick a quarrel with anyone who disagreed.
- Don’t pick a quarrel with your boss if you want to keep your job.
without (a) quarrel
1/wɪðˈaʊt ə kwˈɔɹəl/
fixed phrase
formal
without any disagreement
With no fight or argument.
Examples
- The decision was accepted without quarrel by all members.
- They parted without a quarrel, still good friends.