What does disagree mean?
Disagree means to hold a different view, reject someone’s assertion, or describe a difference between people, accounts, measurements, or expectations. It is normally intransitive: speakers say they disagree with a person or position, about an issue, or on a particular matter. They can also use the pattern “disagree that,” followed by a statement. The wording is broad and often more restrained than argue or fight, so a person may disagree firmly without becoming openly adversarial. In technical or formal contexts, it can indicate that descriptions, results, or interpretations are incompatible, as when two analyses do not agree. The word is standard throughout British, American, and other varieties of English and carries no strong regional or social stigma. It is especially useful when someone wishes to register a difference while leaving open the possibility of discussion, clarification, or compromise.
verbTo have a different opinion from someone, or to differ from a statement, belief, expectation, result, or description.
- To hold a different opinion from someone or reject a belief, statement, or assertion.
- To differ from one another in content, result, interpretation, or compatibility.
"Although they agreed on the facts, the two economists disagreed profoundly about what the figures meant."
"I disagree with the conclusion, although I accept most of the evidence."
"The two witnesses disagreed about the time the fire began."
Remove the prefix from “disagree” and “agree” remains—a compact expression of the space between difference and consensus.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does disagree come from?
The verb dates from Middle English. It was formed with the prefix dis- and agree, paralleling Old French desagreer, meaning “to disagree” or “be unlike.” The base agree entered English through Old French from Latin and later produced related forms such as agreement and agreeable.
Related word forms
How disagree is actually used
Disagree is standard in formal and informal English and has no major British–US difference. It can sound more measured than argue or object to, even when the disagreement is strong.
Easily confused with disagree
Disagreeing means holding a different view, whereas disapproving specifically expresses condemnation or displeasure.