disagreement

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable or uncountable

   A situation in which people hold different opinions and do not accept each other's view.

   Grammar: Countable for a specific dispute (a disagreement), uncountable for the general state (there was some disagreement).

   Patterns

   • disagreement about something
   • disagreement over something
   • disagreement with someone
   • a disagreement between people

   There was some disagreement about where to hold the party.

   The brothers had a disagreement over who should pay.

   Scientists remain in disagreement on the cause of the decline.

2. 2nouncountable or uncountableformal

   A noticeable difference between two sets of facts, figures or accounts that ought to match.

   Grammar: Usually followed by between: a disagreement between the two reports.

   Patterns

   • disagreement between something and something

   The auditor noticed a disagreement between the two sets of figures.

   A disagreement in the witnesses' accounts raised doubts.

   There is little disagreement between the two studies.

Word forms

Common combinations

have a disagreement

We had a disagreement about the budget but settled it quickly.

strong disagreement

The proposal met with strong disagreement from residents.

resolve a disagreement

A mediator helped resolve the disagreement.

in disagreement

The two experts were in disagreement over the diagnosis.

minor disagreement

A minor disagreement over seating delayed the wedding photo.

settle a disagreement

They flipped a coin to settle the disagreement.

Synonyms and how they differ

argument

Argument suggests a more heated exchange of words, while disagreement can be calm and polite.

dispute

Dispute often implies a formal or lasting conflict, such as over money or land, while disagreement is more general.

quarrel

Quarrel is angrier and more personal, usually between people who know each other well.

difference

Difference is a milder, more neutral word and does not necessarily mean people are in conflict.

Opposites

Word family

disagree verb

to hold a different opinion

disagreeable adjective

unpleasant or unfriendly

disagreeably adverb

in an unpleasant way

agreement noun

a shared view or a settled arrangement

Commonly confused: disagreement or disagreeable?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “disagreement”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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