VocabDictionary

quarreling

/ˈkwɔːrəlɪŋ/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.verb

The present participle of 'quarrel', describing the act of engaging in an angry argument or disagreement, often over petty matters.

Example Sentences:
  • The siblings were quarreling over who would get to sit in the front seat of the car.
  • They have been quarreling about the household budget for weeks.
2.noun

The action or process of having a heated argument or a state of persistent disagreement.

Example Sentences:
  • The constant quarreling in the office made it a very stressful place to work.
  • After years of quarreling, the two business partners finally decided to part ways.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “quarreling”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Middle English 'querelen', which comes from the Old French 'querelle' (a dispute or lawsuit). This stems from the Latin 'querella' (complaint or lament), from the verb 'queri' (to complain). Over time, the meaning shifted from a formal legal complaint to any angry verbal disagreement.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'quarreling' as 'choir-yelling'—when a group stops singing in harmony and starts shouting instead.

Frequently Asked Questions About “quarreling

1. What is the meaning of “quarreling” in English?

In English, quarreling (verb) is defined as: “The present participle of 'quarrel', describing the act of engaging in an angry argument or disagreement, often over petty matters.”.

2. How do you use “quarreling” in a sentence?

The siblings were quarreling over who would get to sit in the front seat of the car.

3. What are English synonyms of “quarreling”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “quarreling”?

Derived from the Middle English 'querelen', which comes from the Old French 'querelle' (a dispute or lawsuit). This stems from the Latin 'querella' (complaint or lament), from the verb 'queri' (to complain). Over time, the meaning shifted from a formal legal complaint to any angry verbal disagreement.