What does disagreeing mean?
"Disagreeing" is the present participle and gerund of the verb "disagree", describing the act of holding or expressing a different opinion from another person. It is most often used with the preposition "with", as in "disagreeing with a colleague", while the topic of contention is introduced by "about" or "over". Beyond matters of opinion, it also describes things that fail to correspond — accounts that are disagreeing with each other, for instance — and, more informally, food, drink, or climates that upset someone physically. The word carries no inherent hostility: people can disagree respectfully, and the ability to keep disagreeing without rupturing relationships is often treated as a mark of maturity and good judgement. Derived from Latin roots meaning to depart from what pleases, it belongs to a productive family that includes "disagreement" and "disagreeable".
Having or expressing a different opinion from someone else; failing to concur.
"The board members were disagreeing openly for the first time in years."
(Of records, statements, or figures) being inconsistent or at variance with one another.
"The two witnesses were disagreeing about every detail of the evening."
(Of food, drink, or conditions) having an adverse physical effect on someone.
"Something he ate at dinner was clearly disagreeing with him."
The act or practice of holding differing opinions; dissent as an activity.
"Disagreeing is healthy in any team, provided it stays civil."
Disagreeing politely may be one of democracy's most underrated skills — the word itself simply means to hold a different 'grace' or favour, from Latin gratus.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of disagreeing
"Disagreeing" comes from "disagree", formed in English from the prefix "dis-" (expressing reversal or negation) combined with "agree", which entered English from Old French "agreer" and ultimately traces back to Latin "gratus", meaning pleasing or thankful. The verb developed its sense of holding a different opinion in the sixteenth century, alongside older senses of refusing consent or being unsuited to something. Cognates sharing the Latin root include "grace", "grateful", and "gratis".
Related word forms
How disagreeing is actually used
Commonly followed by "with" (a person) or "about/over" (a subject). The third sense — food or conditions not suiting someone — is somewhat informal but well established.
Easily confused with disagreeing
"Disagreement" is a noun referring to the difference of opinion itself, while "disagreeing" is the ongoing action or process of holding differing views.