What does quarrel mean?
A quarrel is a disagreement, especially one expressed through angry words or heated argument. The term can describe a serious conflict between rivals or neighbours, but it is also commonly used for less consequential disputes, such as an argument over household chores. As a verb, “to quarrel” means to engage in such a disagreement. Its tone is generally more personal and emotional than that of a formal “dispute,” although the two words overlap considerably. “Squabble” often suggests a bicker over a minor matter, while “altercation” is more formal and may imply a brief confrontation. The word appears in established expressions such as “pick a quarrel with” and “settle a quarrel,” reflecting its frequent use in stories about strained relationships and conflict. It is a useful word when the speaker wants to emphasize disagreement as an angry, disruptive event rather than merely a difference of opinion.
An angry disagreement or argument between two or more people.
"A quarrel broke out after the match."
The word is often used for both serious conflicts and relatively minor disputes.
To engage in an angry argument or dispute.
"They continued to quarrel over the same issue."
British forms commonly spell the past tense and participle with two l’s, while American forms normally use one.
The plural takes no additional l; it is “quarrels” in both British and American English.
"Their quarrels often ended without a clear resolution."
British spelling often adds a second l to the verb’s past and participle: “quarrelled” and “quarrelling.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of quarrel
The word entered Middle English through Anglo-French, drawing on Old French querele, meaning “dispute” or “complaint,” and the associated verb quarreler. The Old French forms came from Latin querela, “complaint,” although the precise development of the Latin verb has been debated. Modern derivatives include the adjective “quarrelsome” and agent forms such as “quarreller” and “quarreler.”
Related word forms
How quarrel is actually used
The noun can describe anything from a serious conflict to a relatively minor personal dispute. As a verb, it usually suggests open disagreement that may be repeated or conducted in an angry tone. British and American usage differ mainly in the doubling of the final l in some inflected forms.