WordGarden.iostrife
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /strˈaɪf/
US
- /ˈstraɪf/
Meanings
Noun
bitter conflict or angry disagreement
Beyond the definition
Strife is not just a disagreement; it is a hard fight, a bitter struggle, often with strong emotions. Think of ancient battles or family feuds. It suggests lasting tension and trouble. While an argument can end quickly, strife usually goes on. A kingdom might be torn by internal strife, meaning there is ongoing conflict between different groups inside it. You would not use it for something small, like choosing dinner, but you might use it for a long legal battle or a relationship full of conflict.
The word "strife" describes intense and often prolonged conflict or struggle. It is more than a simple disagreement; it suggests serious opposition, hardship, and strong emotion. Imagine two families trapped in a feud for years. Or picture a nation being torn apart by civil war. In both cases, the conflict is deep, painful, and hard to end.
It often points to a clash not just of people, but of interests, beliefs, or goals. There can also be inner strife, when someone feels pulled in different directions inside themselves and cannot easily find peace. That use keeps the same core idea: a painful struggle that lasts.
This word is not limited to war. It can describe political conflict, social unrest, trouble in a marriage, tension within a community, or a long personal struggle. It is often used in writing that wants to sound serious or dramatic. So when you see "strife," think of conflict that has weight, lasts for a while, and affects the people involved in a deep way.
Examples
- 1
Family finances
Years of money problems created strife at home.
- 2
Labor dispute
There was growing strife between the company and its workers over pay.
- 3
Conflict avoidance
She tried not to say anything that might cause strife within the family.
- 4
Ethnic conflict
The region has been torn by ethnic strife for decades.
- Patterntorn by + conflict
badly affected by it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Civil conflict
After the election, the country slipped back into civil strife.
- Phrasecivil strife
serious conflict within a country
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- feud
- infighting
- civil unrest
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- civil strife
- political strife
- sectarian strife
- domestic strife
Explore
- social conflict
- reconciliation
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- strifenoun