Quarrel

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1. Definition + Rich Everyday Explanation

Quarrel (noun / verb) ( kwɒ rəl ) = a heated argument or disagreement; to argue angrily or disagree strongly.

A quarrel is that sharp, emotional clash when people get upset and start raising their voices over something — often small at first, but it can grow fast. It’s more intense than a simple disagreement; there’s usually anger, raised tones, and hurt feelings. People quarrel with friends, partners, or family, and the word carries a sense of unnecessary conflict that leaves everyone feeling bad afterwards.

MEANING 1: Heated Argument (Noun) — VERY COMMON

As a noun, a quarrel is an angry disagreement, often loud and emotional. Couples have quarrels about money or chores. Siblings quarrel over toys. It feels personal and heated — not just a calm discussion. People often say “we had a quarrel” to explain why they’re not speaking to someone.

MEANING 2: Argue Angrily (Verb) — VERY COMMON

As a verb, to quarrel means to argue or fight verbally, usually with anger. People quarrel over trivial things like who left the dishes. Friends quarrel and then make up. It’s the act of clashing — often with raised voices and strong feelings.

MEANING 3: Serious Disagreement or Grudge (Noun, Less Common)

Sometimes quarrel means a long-standing feud or deep disagreement. “They’ve had a quarrel for years” implies something serious that hasn’t been resolved. This older sense is less common today but still appears in literature or formal talk.

Examples from the street:

• “They had a huge quarrel last night” → they argued angrily and loudly yesterday
• “Don’t quarrel over silly things” → stop fighting about unimportant matters
• “We made up after our quarrel” → we reconciled following the angry disagreement

2. Most Common Patterns

Quarrel as argument (noun) — VERY COMMON:

• a/the quarrel → specific argument
• have a quarrel → engage in an argument
• quarrel with + person → argue with someone
• quarrel over/about + thing → argue about a topic

Quarrel as verb (argue angrily) — VERY COMMON:

• quarrel with + person → argue with someone
• quarrel over/about + noun → argue about something
• quarrel about + clause → argue over a situation
• start/quarrel → begin arguing

3. Phrasal Verbs

Note: “Quarrel” doesn’t form common phrasal verbs — these are related expressions:

• fall out → have a serious disagreement (often leading to no contact)
  Example: “They fell out over money and haven’t spoken since.”
• have words → argue briefly (milder than quarrel)
  Example: “We had words about the bill, but it’s fine now.”
• pick a fight → start an argument deliberately
  Example: “He’s always picking fights with his brother.”

4. Example Sentences

1. They had a quarrel over who should do the dishes
   → They argued heatedly about responsibility for the washing-up.
2. Don’t quarrel with your brother over small things
   → Avoid fighting with your sibling about minor issues.
3. The couple’s quarrel lasted for days
   → The partners’ angry disagreement continued for several days.
4. She quarrelled with her boss about the schedule
   → She argued heatedly with her manager regarding the timetable.
5. We need to resolve this quarrel before it gets worse
   → We must settle the disagreement before it escalates further.
6. They quarrelled about money again last night
   → They argued angrily over finances once more yesterday evening.
7. A silly quarrel ruined the evening
   → A trivial argument spoiled the night.
8. Don’t let a quarrel come between you
   → Prevent an argument from damaging your relationship.
9. The neighbours quarrelled over the fence
   → The people next door argued heatedly about the boundary.
10. After the quarrel, they made up quickly
    → Following the disagreement, they reconciled promptly.

5. Personal Examples

1. Students sometimes quarrel over who speaks first — but learning to take turns improves group discussions
   → Learners occasionally argue heatedly about speaking order — yet practising patience enhances collective conversations.
2. A small quarrel during practice can happen — using it as a chance to apologise helps build real-life communication skills
   → A minor argument in exercises may occur — turning it into an opportunity for saying sorry develops practical interaction abilities.

6. Register: Neutral to Informal

✔ Native usage tips

• “Quarrel” sounds old-fashioned: More common in older generations or writing; younger people often say “fight” or “argue”
• Always negative: Quarrel implies anger and upset — not neutral disagreement
• “Pick a quarrel”: Means deliberately starting an argument — often unfairly
• “Have a quarrel”: Common way to describe a specific argument
• British vs American: Both use it, but Americans might prefer “fight” or “argument” in casual speech

✔ Similar expressions / words

• Argument → neutral; quarrel is more emotional and angry
• Fight → stronger; can be physical or verbal, often more intense
• Row (British) → very similar, informal for noisy quarrel