Meaning & use
strong disagreement
Last updated
Meanings
noununcountable
A firm and clear difference of opinion, often expressed with force.
Grammar: Usually uncountable; use it without 'a' or 'an': 'There was strong disagreement.'
Patterns
- strong disagreement with someone
- strong disagreement about/over something
- express strong disagreement
There was strong disagreement among the committee members about the new policy.
She voiced strong disagreement with the proposed budget cuts.
The announcement met with strong disagreement from local residents.
nouncountable
A particular instance of forceful opposing views.
Grammar: Can be countable when referring to a specific disagreement: 'a strong disagreement'.
Patterns
- a strong disagreement between people
- have a strong disagreement
The two leaders had a strong disagreement over trade tariffs.
We had a strong disagreement last week, but we're still friends.
Common combinations
- express strong disagreement
- The senator expressed strong disagreement with the new tax law.
- strong disagreement with
- Her strong disagreement with the decision was obvious to everyone.
- strong disagreement about
- There is strong disagreement about how to handle the crisis.
- a strong disagreement between
- A strong disagreement between the two departments delayed the project.
- voice strong disagreement
- Several parents voiced strong disagreement at the school meeting.
Synonyms and how they differ
- sharp disagreement
- Similar meaning, but 'sharp' often suggests a sudden, cutting tone, while 'strong' emphasizes firmness and intensity.
- vehement disagreement
- More formal and intense; 'vehement' implies passionate, almost angry opposition, whereas 'strong' is more neutral.
- opposition
- Broader; 'opposition' can be general resistance, while 'strong disagreement' specifically refers to a difference of opinion.
Opposites
Word family
- disagree verb
- To have a different opinion.
- disagreement noun
- A difference of opinion.
- agree verb
- To have the same opinion.
Commonly confused: strong disagreement or strong argument?
strong disagreement vs strong argument
A 'strong argument' is a convincing one, not necessarily a disagreement. 'Strong disagreement' focuses on the conflict, not the quality of reasoning.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence:
Choose one answer.
'Strong disagreement' is usually uncountable, so it takes no article and no plural: 'There was strong disagreement.' Option A uses 'a' incorrectly; options C and D use the plural 'disagreements', which is not standard for this uncountable sense.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “strong disagreement”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.