noun / verb
dispute
dis-PYOOT/dɪˈspjuːt/
Disagreement over a claim or issue.
Their dispute becomes clear as each challenges the other's account across the table.
Etymology
Latin putare meant “count” or “consider”; with dis- (“apart”), disputare meant “weigh, examine, discuss.” The noun names the argumentative side of that discussion: a disagreement or quarrel.
In context
you can be a little bit more judicious in how you disagree and prevent our arguments from becoming this unruly all-encompassing dispute.
More examples
- She disputed the claimed amount.
- The neighbors settled their dispute.
- Several witnesses are disputing his version of events.
Forms
dispute · disputes · disputed · disputing
Similar words
- disagreement
- May be milder or less openly contested.
- argument
- Argument can involve heated words rather than a continuing difference of opinion.