WordGarden.iodispute
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /dɪspjˈuːt/
US
- /dɪˈspjut/
Meanings
Noun
a disagreement or argument between people or groups
a formal disagreement handled through legal or official procedures
Verb
to argue or disagree about something
to question or challenge the truth, validity, or ownership of something
Beyond the definition
A dispute isn't just any argument; it's one that people can't easily resolve. Think of two neighbors arguing over a fence line—that's a dispute. It often feels formal or long-lasting, and it may involve claims about rights or facts. You might have a dispute with someone, or settle a dispute with the help of a mediator. Sometimes disputes turn into court cases, but they don't have to. A simple misunderstanding can become a full-blown dispute if left unaddressed.
You can also use dispute as a verb. If you dispute a charge on your credit card, you say it’s wrong and ask for it to be reviewed. If someone disputes a story or a claim, they question whether it’s true. Imagine two explorers arguing over who discovered new land first—that’s a historical dispute.
A dispute is a serious disagreement or argument, typically involving conflicting claims, rights, or opinions. It's more than a casual difference of opinion; it suggests a situation where both sides firmly believe they are right and struggle to find common ground. Disputes can arise in many contexts—from personal relationships ("They had a bitter dispute over money") to business negotiations ("The contract dispute led to a strike") to international affairs ("The border dispute has been ongoing for decades").
The word implies some level of formality or persistence. A quick disagreement might be resolved with an apology, but a dispute often requires discussion, negotiation, or even legal intervention. You can engage in a dispute, resolve a dispute, or escalate a dispute. It's also common to talk about "dispute resolution," which refers to the process of finding a solution that satisfies all parties involved.
Dispute is also a verb meaning "to say something is not true" or "to challenge it." You might dispute a bill, dispute the facts, or dispute a claim in court. In this sense, you're not just arguing—you’re saying, clearly and directly, that you don’t accept what the other side is saying.
Historically, "dispute" comes from the Latin word disputare, meaning "to debate." While debates can be healthy and productive, disputes often carry a negative connotation, suggesting tension and conflict. However, resolving a dispute constructively can actually strengthen relationships and lead to positive outcomes. So, while a dispute represents disagreement, it also presents an opportunity for understanding and compromise.
Examples
- 1
Neighbors
The neighbors had a dispute over the fence between their gardens.
- 2
Workplace
After weeks of meetings, the union and the company finally settled the pay dispute.
- 3
Shared housing
She got into a dispute with her roommate about who should clean the kitchen.
- 4
Credit card
He disputed the charge on his credit card as soon as he saw it.
- Patterndispute a charge
officially say that it is wrong
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Historical claims
Several historians dispute the story that the castle was built in one year.
- 6
Clear agreement
No one disputed that the road needed repairs.
- 7
Border disagreement
The exact border is still in dispute.
- Phrasein dispute
still being argued about; not agreed
- 8
Legal challenge
His children decided to dispute the will in court.
- Domaindispute a will
try to show in court that it is not legally valid
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- labor dispute
- territorial dispute
- settle a dispute
- dispute resolution
Word family
- disputable
- undisputed
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- disputenounverb
Forms
- disputespluralnounverb
- disputedpast tenseverbnoun
- disputing-ing formverbnoun