What does quarreller mean?
A quarreller is someone who quarrels—that is, argues, disputes, or engages in repeated verbal conflicts with other people. The term commonly suggests a person who is habitually argumentative, touchy, or inclined to find fault, although it can also be used more neutrally when describing a participant in a particular dispute. In ordinary use, the word has a mildly disapproving or humorous quality, unlike a neutral label such as “disputant,” and it may imply that the quarrels are frequent or petty. It should not be confused with “quarrel,” which names the argument itself, or with “quarrelsome,” which is normally an adjective describing behaviour or a situation. The traditional spelling is “quarreller” in British English, while American English more commonly uses “quarreler.” Knowing the noun is useful when discussing argumentative personalities, interpersonal conflict, or the difference between a disputant and the dispute in which that person is involved.
nounA person who quarrels, especially one who is inclined to engage in frequent or petty arguments.
- A person who quarrels, especially one who is habitually argumentative or inclined to dispute the opinions or conduct of others.
"His reputation as a quarreller made it difficult for him to keep any friends."
"She was not an aggressive person, but she was certainly a quarreller."
"The letter describes him as a quarreller who had made enemies throughout the village."
The standard plural is “quarrellers”; the American spelling “quarrelers” is also common in American usage.
"The two quarrellers refused to discuss the disagreement with anyone else."
A quarreller may start with the words “I just want to talk,” but the dictionary meaning is considerably less peaceful.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of quarreller
The word is an English agent noun formed from “quarrel” with the suffix “-er,” meaning a person who quarrels. The base word “quarrel” comes through Anglo-French from Latin querelari, “to complain,” from querela, “complaint.” The double-l spelling of “quarreller” is traditionally associated with British usage, whereas “quarreler” predominates in American English.
Related word forms
How quarreller is actually used
The word is uncommon and often carries a mildly disapproving or humorous tone. It generally describes a habitual quarreller rather than someone participating in a single dispute, and the traditional double-l spelling is chiefly British.
Easily confused with quarreller
A quarreller is the person who quarrels, whereas a quarrel is the argument or dispute itself.
Both words mean a person who quarrels; quarreller is the traditional British spelling, while quarreler is the usual American spelling.