French word

querelle

Pronunciation

IPA/kəʁɛl/

Meaning

  • feminine nounargument

Example

Ils ont eu une querelle hier.

They had an argument yesterday.

Illustration for querelle (argument)

More examples

Il y a une querelle de voisinage à cause des chiens.

There is a neighborhood dispute because of the dogs.

Core concept

A private verbal clash in which complaints and feelings are exchanged, leaving the relationship strained.

Common phrases

  • une querelle de voisinage

    a neighborhood dispute

  • une querelle entre collègues

    a dispute between coworkers

Similar words

dispute: An argument caused by differing views or a misunderstanding.
brouille: A temporary falling-out among friends or family that often reduces contact.
désaccord: Trouble arising from differing opinions or ways of thinking.
conflit: A prolonged dispute caused by clashing interests or values.

Definition in French

Désigne une discussion vive et personnelle entre personnes, marquée par des reproches et une tension pouvant durer.

Word origin

French querelle comes through Old French from Latin querela or querella, meaning a complaint or lament.

Usage tips

  • Querelle is feminine, so the usual article is une, as in une querelle.

Other meanings

  • disputenoun
  • disagreementnoun
  • quarrelnoun

Opposites

  • ententeagreementnoun
  • paixpeacenoun

Related words

  • querelleurquarrelsome personnoun

Word lists with this word