Quarrel vs. Discord: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss & Aimie Carlson || Updated on May 22, 2024
Quarrel is a verbal argument or dispute between individuals, while discord refers to a broader state of disagreement or conflict, often involving multiple parties or ongoing tension.
Key Differences
A quarrel is typically a specific, verbal dispute between individuals, often marked by anger or strong disagreement. These are usually temporary and can arise over particular issues. Discord, on the other hand, refers to a general state of conflict or lack of harmony, which can affect relationships or groups over an extended period.
Quarrels are often personal and involve direct confrontation between the parties involved. These arguments are usually about specific issues and can be resolved relatively quickly. Discord implies a deeper, more persistent lack of agreement or harmony within a group or relationship.
While a quarrel is an isolated event, discord signifies a sustained period of strife or disharmony. Quarrels can be seen as symptoms or manifestations of underlying discord. When individuals quarrel frequently, it may indicate a deeper discord in their relationship.
In terms of intensity, quarrels can vary from minor disagreements to intense arguments. Discord tends to have a more profound and lasting impact, often leading to a breakdown in relationships or cooperation if not addressed.
The resolution of a quarrel typically involves addressing the immediate issue and mending the temporary rift between the parties. Resolving discord requires addressing underlying issues and fostering long-term understanding and harmony.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A verbal argument or dispute between people
A state of conflict or lack of harmony
Duration
Usually temporary
Often prolonged
Nature
Specific and isolated
General and pervasive
Intensity
Varies from minor to intense
Typically more profound and lasting
Resolution
Involves addressing specific issues
Requires addressing underlying causes
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Quarrel and Discord Definitions
Quarrel
A heated argument.
They often quarrel about money.
Discord
A prolonged state of disagreement.
Discord in the office led to a decline in productivity.
Quarrel
To argue angrily.
They quarrel almost every day about household chores.
Discord
A situation of tension and strife.
The discord between the nations persisted for years.
Quarrel
An interaction in which the parties involved express angry disagreement with one another
I changed the subject to avoid being drawn into a quarrel.
Discord
Lack of agreement or harmony.
There was discord among the team members.
Quarrel
A reason for a dispute or argument
We have no quarrel with the findings of the committee.
Discord
Conflict within a group.
The political party was in a state of discord.
Quarrel
A bolt for a crossbow.
Discord
Disagreement in opinion or feeling.
Family discord can affect everyone involved.
Quarrel
A tool, such as a stonemason's chisel, that has a squared head.
Discord
Lack of agreement among persons, groups, or things.
Quarrel
A small diamond-shaped or square pane of glass in a latticed window.
Discord
Tension or strife resulting from a lack of agreement; dissension.
Quarrel
To express angry disagreement; engage in a quarrel
The children quarreled over the last piece of cake.
Discord
A confused or harsh sound or mingling of sounds.
Quarrel
To find fault or disagree
I quarrel with your conclusions.
Discord
(Music) An inharmonious combination of simultaneously sounded tones; a dissonance.
Quarrel
(countable) A dispute or heated argument (especially one that is verbal).
We got into a silly quarrel about what food to order.
Discord
To fail to agree or harmonize; clash.
Quarrel
(countable) Often preceded by a form of to have: a basis or ground of dispute or objection; a complaint; also, a feeling or situation of ill will and unhappiness caused by this.
A few customers in the shop had some quarrels with us, so we called for the manager.
I have no quarrel with her; it’s her partner whom I dislike.
Discord
Lack of concord, agreement or harmony.
Quarrel
A propensity to quarrel; quarrelsomeness.
Discord
Tension or strife resulting from a lack of agreement; dissension.
Quarrel
An arrow or bolt for a crossbow or an type]] of crossbow, traditionally with the head square in its cross section.
Discord
(music) An inharmonious combination of simultaneously sounded tones; a dissonance.
Quarrel
A diamond- or square-shaped piece of glass forming part of a lattice window.
Discord
Any harsh noise, or confused mingling of sounds.
Quarrel
A square tile; a quarry tile; (uncountable) such tiles collectively.
Discord
To disagree; to fail to agree or harmonize; clash.
Quarrel
A cutting tool or chisel with a diamond- or square-shaped end.
Discord
To untie things which are connected by a cord.
Quarrel
A small square-shaped opening in window tracery.
Discord
Want of concord or agreement; absence of unity or harmony in sentiment or action; variance leading to contention and strife; disagreement; - applied to persons or to things, and to thoughts, feelings, or purposes.
A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Peace to arise out of universal discord fomented in all parts of the empire.
Quarrel
To argue fiercely; to contend; to squabble; to cease to be on friendly terms, to fall out.
Discord
Union of musical sounds which strikes the ear harshly or disagreeably, owing to the incommensurability of the vibrations which they produce; want of musical concord or harmony; a chord demanding resolution into a concord.
For a discord itself is but a harshness of divers sounds m ing.
Quarrel
(intransitive) To find fault; to cavil.
To quarrel with one’s lot
Discord
To disagree; to be discordant; to jar; to clash; not to suit.
The one discording with the other.
Quarrel
Followed by at: to disagree with; to take offence.
Discord
Lack of agreement or harmony
Quarrel
To argue or squabble with (someone).
Discord
Disagreement among those expected to cooperate
Quarrel
An arrow for a crossbow; - so named because it commonly had a square head.
To shoot with arrows and quarrel.
Two arblasts, . . . with windlaces and quarrels.
Discord
A harsh mixture of sounds
Quarrel
Any small square or quadrangular member
Discord
Strife resulting from a lack of agreement
Quarrel
A glazier's diamond.
Discord
Be different from one another
Quarrel
A four-sided cutting tool or chisel having a diamond-shaped end.
Quarrel
A breach of concord, amity, or obligation; a falling out; a difference; a disagreement; an antagonism in opinion, feeling, or conduct; esp., an angry dispute, contest, or strife; a brawl; an altercation; as, he had a quarrel with his father about expenses.
I will bring a sword upon you that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant.
On open seas their quarrels they debate.
Quarrel
Ground of objection, dislike, difference, or hostility; cause of dispute or contest; occasion of altercation.
Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him.
No man hath any quarrel to me.
He thought he had a good quarrel to attack him.
Quarrel
Earnest desire or longing.
Quarrel
One who quarrels or wrangles; one who is quarrelsome.
Quarrel
To violate concord or agreement; to have a difference; to fall out; to be or become antagonistic.
Our people quarrel with obedience.
But some defect in herDid quarrel with the noblest grace she owed.
Quarrel
To dispute angrily, or violently; to wrangle; to scold; to altercate; to contend; to fight.
Beasts called sociable quarrel in hunger and lust.
Quarrel
To find fault; to cavil; as, to quarrel with one's lot.
I will not quarrel with a slight mistake.
Quarrel
To quarrel with.
Quarrel
To compel by a quarrel; as, to quarrel a man out of his estate or rights.
Quarrel
An angry dispute;
They had a quarrel
They had words
Quarrel
An arrow that is shot from a crossbow; has a head with four edges
Quarrel
Have a disagreement over something;
We quarreled over the question as to who discovered America
These tewo fellows are always scrapping over something
Quarrel
A verbal dispute.
The neighbors had a quarrel over the fence.
Quarrel
A conflict or disagreement.
The quarrel between the siblings lasted all afternoon.
Quarrel
A petty dispute.
The couple's quarrel was over something trivial.
FAQs
How does discord differ from a quarrel?
Discord refers to a broader state of disagreement or conflict, often prolonged and affecting groups or relationships, while a quarrel is a specific, isolated argument.
Can a quarrel lead to discord?
Yes, frequent quarrels can be a symptom of underlying discord in a relationship or group.
What is a quarrel?
A quarrel is a verbal argument or dispute between individuals.
Is quarrel a synonym for argument?
Yes, a quarrel is a type of argument, usually involving anger or strong disagreement.
What causes discord?
Discord can be caused by conflicting interests, values, or prolonged unresolved issues.
Is discord always negative?
Discord is generally negative as it signifies conflict and a lack of harmony.
Can discord be resolved easily?
Resolving discord often requires addressing underlying issues and fostering long-term harmony, making it more challenging than resolving a quarrel.
How long does a quarrel typically last?
Quarrels are usually temporary and can last from a few minutes to a few hours or days.
Can discord be avoided?
Avoiding discord requires effective communication and conflict resolution strategies.
Do all cultures experience discord similarly?
While discord is a universal concept, its expression and resolution can vary across cultures.
Are quarrels common in relationships?
Yes, occasional quarrels are common in most relationships.
Is discord visible in body language?
Yes, discord can manifest in body language through signs of tension or avoidance.
Can mediation help resolve discord?
Yes, mediation can be an effective tool for resolving discord by addressing underlying issues and facilitating communication.
Can a single quarrel indicate discord?
A single quarrel might not indicate discord, but frequent quarrels can suggest deeper issues.
Is discord a sign of poor leadership?
Discord in a group can sometimes indicate poor leadership or mismanagement.
How does discord affect productivity?
Discord can lead to decreased productivity due to ongoing tension and lack of cooperation.
How do quarrels typically end?
Quarrels typically end when the immediate issue is resolved or the parties agree to disagree.
Are quarrels always loud?
Quarrels can vary in intensity; they may be loud or relatively quiet but tense.
What are the effects of unresolved discord?
Unresolved discord can lead to a breakdown in relationships and prolonged conflict.
Can a quarrel be constructive?
A quarrel can be constructive if it leads to a better understanding and resolution of issues.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Co-written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
