quarrel

Pronunciation: /ˈkwɒrəl/ (UK), /ˈkwɔːrəl/ (US)

Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'querele', from Latin 'querella' (complaint), from 'queri' (to complain)

Part of Speech: noun, verb

Meanings:

1. (noun) An angry argument or disagreement between people
2. (noun) A reason for complaint or disagreement
3. (verb) To have an angry argument or disagreement

Example Sentences:

1. The siblings had a quarrel over who would get the last piece of cake.
2. Their constant quarrels were putting a strain on their friendship.
3. The couple promised not to quarrel over small issues anymore.

Related Words:

• Nouns: argument, dispute, disagreement, conflict, altercation
• Verbs: argue, dispute, bicker, squabble, clash
• Adjectives: quarrelsome, argumentative, contentious

Different Forms:

• quarreled/quarrelled (past tense)
• quarreling/quarrelling (present participle)
• quarreler/quarreller (noun, person who quarrels)

Memorization Trick: Think of a "quarrel" as two people firing verbal "arrows" at each other. The word "quarrel" actually comes from the same root as "quadratus" (square), and in medieval times, it referred to a square-headed crossbow bolt. Imagine these verbal "arrows" flying back and forth in an argument to help remember the word's meaning.