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Word

dispute

noun C1
UK /dɪsˈpjuːt/
US /ˈdɪs.pjut/

Meanings

noun

A serious disagreement or argument between people or groups.

dispute: A serious disagreement or argument between people or groups.
verb

To question or challenge something, especially a claim, decision, or fact.

dispute: To question or challenge something, especially a claim, decision, or fact.

Definition

A dispute is an argument or disagreement, especially one that lasts and involves strong opposing views.

A dispute is a serious disagreement between people, groups, or countries about facts, decisions, or rights. It often continues over time because each side believes it is correct. Disputes can happen privately, at work, in politics, or in international relations, and they may be resolved through negotiation or formal procedures.

Examples

  • The dispute between the two departments escalated after the deadline was missed again.
  • She tried to keep the dispute professional, even when the conversation became heated.
  • They resolved the dispute through mediation rather than dragging it into months of emails.
  • I dispute the claim that the results were predictable, given how limited the data was.

Common mistake

Learners often confuse the pronunciation, stressing the first syllable instead of the second (correct: di-SPUTE).