noun

dispute

/dɪˈspjuːt/ · say it: dis·PYOOT

to argue against; to question the truth of

In Debate & Persuasion

In more detail

1. (noun) a disagreement or argument between people or groups

2. (verb) to argue or disagree about something

3. (verb) to question whether something is true or correct

Examples

1. The two countries have a long-standing dispute over the border.
2. The workers are disputing their low wages with the company.
3. No one disputes that she is a talented musician.

How to use dispute

As a noun, 'dispute' refers to a disagreement that may be serious or prolonged, often between groups or over significant issues. As a verb, it means either to argue about something or to challenge its validity. It is more formal than 'argument' and more specific than the general term 'disagreement'.

Common phrases

fierce dispute
bitter dispute
dispute over territory
dispute settlement
in dispute
beyond dispute

Synonyms

disagreement · argument · quarrel · conflict · controversy

Opposites

agreement · accord · harmony

Word family

disputable · disputed · disputer · disputation

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use 'dispute' as a verb meaning simply 'to talk about' or 'to discuss', but in standard English it specifically means to argue against or challenge, not merely to exchange views.

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