Fight vs. Quarrel
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 20, 2023
"Fight" generally refers to a physical confrontation or struggle between individuals, while "Quarrel" usually pertains to a verbal disagreement or dispute.
Key Differences
"Fight" is a term that most commonly denotes a physical altercation between two or more parties. It suggests a level of physical aggression, where blows may be exchanged, and physical harm could result. "Quarrel," on the other hand, is generally verbal in nature, describing a disagreement or argument between people, often characterized by raised voices or angry words.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
Both words have similar etymological roots, originating from Old English. "Fight" comes from "feohtan," meaning to combat, and "Quarrel" comes from "quarell," a term originally meaning a complaint. While the two words are often used interchangeably in casual conversation, especially when the context of the disagreement is unclear, they imply different levels of confrontation and types of interaction—physical for "fight" and verbal for "quarrel."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
From a grammatical perspective, "fight" can function as both a noun and a verb, indicating both the act of fighting and the event itself. "Quarrel" can also be a noun or a verb, referring either to the act of arguing or the disagreement itself. However, the noun form of "fight" is more commonly used to describe an organized, physical contest, like a boxing match, while "quarrel" as a noun almost always refers to an informal, spontaneous verbal disagreement.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
The word "fight" can also be used metaphorically, describing a struggle against an abstract concept or situation, like fighting against injustice or fighting to overcome obstacles. "Quarrel" can also go beyond interpersonal disputes to indicate arguments between groups, but the term is rarely, if ever, used metaphorically to indicate struggle against an abstract concept.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Common Settings
Organized events, spontaneous confrontations
Informal, spontaneous interactions
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
Fight and Quarrel Definitions
Fight
A physical confrontation between individuals.
The fight broke out suddenly in the bar.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 20, 2023
Quarrel
A reason for disagreement or dispute.
Money is often a quarrel in relationships.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 20, 2023
Fight
A contentious interaction, sometimes used to describe verbal disputes.
Their constant fights are ruining the relationship.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
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Quarrel
A formal objection or complaint.
He had no quarrel with the decision.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 20, 2023
Fight
To attempt to harm or gain power over an adversary by blows or with weapons.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Quarrel
A cause for discord or tension.
The old quarrel between the families resurfaced.
Janet White
Sep 20, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
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Quarrel
A reason for a dispute or argument
We have no quarrel with the findings of the committee.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
To strive vigorously and resolutely, as in trying to overcome something; contend
Fought against graft.
Fighting for her rights.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
To contend for, as by combat
“I now resolved that Calais should be fought to the death” (Winston S. Churchill).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Quarrel
To express angry disagreement; engage in a quarrel
The children quarreled over the last piece of cake.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
(Sports) To take part in a boxing match or other similar contest with (an opponent).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Quarrel
(countable) A dispute or heated argument (especially one that is verbal).
We got into a silly quarrel about what food to order.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
To contend with or struggle against
Fought his boss over every penny.
Fought temptation.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
To try to prevent the development or success of
Fought the attempt to close the school.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Quarrel
An arrow or bolt for a crossbow or an type]] of crossbow, traditionally with the head square in its cross section.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Quarrel
A diamond- or square-shaped piece of glass forming part of a lattice window.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
A confrontation between opposing groups in which each attempts to harm or gain power over the other, as with bodily force or weapons.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Quarrel
To argue fiercely; to contend; to squabble; to cease to be on friendly terms, to fall out.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
A contest in kickboxing, any of the mixed martial arts, or a similar sport.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
A struggle to achieve an objective
A fight for the attainment of civil rights.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
The power or inclination to fight; pugnacity
I just didn't have any fight left in me.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
(intransitive) To contend in physical conflict, either singly or in war, battle etc.
A wounded animal will fight like a maniac, relentless, savage and murderous.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
(reciprocal) To contend in physical conflict with each other, either singly or in war, battle etc.
The two boxers have been fighting for more than half an hour.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
(intransitive) To strive for something; to campaign or contend for success.
He fought for the Democrats in the last election.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
(transitive) To conduct or engage in (battle, warfare etc.).
The battle was fought just over that hill.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
(transitive) To engage in combat with; to oppose physically, to contest with.
My grandfather fought the Nazis in World War II.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
(transitive) To try to overpower; to fiercely counteract.
The government pledged to fight corruption.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
To cause to fight; to manage or manoeuvre in a fight.
To fight cocks; to fight one's ship
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
(intransitive) Of colours or other design elements: to clash; to fail to harmonize.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
An occasion of fighting.
One of them got stuck in a chokehold and got stabbed to death during the fight.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Quarrel
To dispute angrily, or violently; to wrangle; to scold; to altercate; to contend; to fight.
Beasts called sociable quarrel in hunger and lust.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Quarrel
To find fault; to cavil; as, to quarrel with one's lot.
I will not quarrel with a slight mistake.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
A physical confrontation or combat between two or more people or groups.
Watch your language! Are you looking for a fight?
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
(sports) A boxing or martial arts match.
I'm going to Nick’s to watch the big fight tomorrow night.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Quarrel
To compel by a quarrel; as, to quarrel a man out of his estate or rights.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
A conflict, possibly nonphysical, with opposing ideas or forces; strife.
I'll put up a fight to save this company.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
(uncountable) The will or ability to fight.
That little guy has a bit of fight in him after all.
As soon as he saw the size of his opponent, all the fight went out of him.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Quarrel
Have a disagreement over something;
We quarreled over the question as to who discovered America
These tewo fellows are always scrapping over something
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
To strive or contened for victory, with armies or in single combat; to attempt to defeat, subdue, or destroy an enemy, either by blows or weapons; to contend in arms; - followed by with or against.
You do fight against your country's foes.
To fight with thee no man of arms will deign.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Quarrel
A verbal disagreement or argument between people.
Their quarrel was over something trivial.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 20, 2023
Fight
To act in opposition to anything; to struggle against; to contend; to strive; to make resistance.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Quarrel
A contentious exchange of views.
Their public quarrel was embarrassing.
Samantha Walker
Sep 20, 2023
Fight
To carry on, or wage, as a conflict, or battle; to win or gain by struggle, as one's way; to sustain by fighting, as a cause.
He had to fight his way through the world.
I have fought a good fight.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
To contend with in battle; to war against; as, they fought the enemy in two pitched battles; the sloop fought the frigate for three hours.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
To cause to fight; to manage or maneuver in a fight; as, to fight cocks; to fight one's ship.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
A battle; an engagement; a contest in arms; a combat; a violent conflict or struggle for victory, between individuals or between armies, ships, or navies, etc.
Who now defies thee thrice to single fight.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
Strength or disposition for fighting; pugnacity; as, he has a great deal of fight in him.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
A screen for the combatants in ships.
Up with your fights, and your nettings prepare.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
The act of fighting; any contest or struggle;
A fight broke out at the hockey game
There was fighting in the streets
The unhappy couple got into a terrible scrap
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
An intense verbal dispute;
A violent fight over the bill is expected in the Senate
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
A hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war;
Grant won a decisive victory in the battle of Chickamauga
He lost his romantic ideas about war when he got into a real engagement
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
Be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight;
The tribesmen fought each other
Siblings are always fighting
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
Fight against or resist strongly;
The senator said he would oppose the bill
Don't fight it!
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
Make a strenuous or labored effort;
She struggled for years to survive without welfare
He fought for breath
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
Exert oneself continuously, vigorously, or obtrusively to gain an end or engage in a crusade for a certain cause or person; be an advocate for;
The liberal party pushed for reforms
She is crusading for women's rights
The Dean is pushing for his favorite candidate
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 24, 2023
Fight
A struggle against an abstract concept.
The fight against poverty continues.
Janet White
Sep 20, 2023
Fight
An organized physical contest.
The championship fight drew a large crowd.
Samantha Walker
Sep 20, 2023
Fight
Active resistance or opposition.
The soldiers were prepared for the fight.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
FAQs
Can Fight refer to a metaphorical struggle?
Yes, like fighting for justice or against an illness.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
What is the primary difference between Fight and Quarrel?
Fight usually refers to a physical confrontation, while Quarrel pertains to a verbal disagreement.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
Which is more intense, a Fight or a Quarrel?
A fight, generally, as it often involves physical aggression.
Harlon Moss
Sep 20, 2023
Can Fight refer to organized events?
Yes, such as in sports like boxing or MMA.
Samantha Walker
Sep 20, 2023
Can you have a Quarrel with a friend?
Yes, quarrels can happen in any interpersonal relationship.
Samantha Walker
Sep 20, 2023
Is a Fight always negative?
Not always, it can refer to a struggle for a positive cause.
Janet White
Sep 20, 2023
What are the origins of Fight and Quarrel?
Both come from Old English—Fight from "feohtan" and Quarrel from "quarell."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
Is Quarrel formal or informal?
It is generally used in informal contexts to describe disputes.
Samantha Walker
Sep 20, 2023
Can Fight and Quarrel be both nouns and verbs?
Yes, both words can serve as nouns and verbs.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
Is Quarrel used metaphorically?
Rarely, it usually refers to real, verbal disputes.
Harlon Moss
Sep 20, 2023
Can a Fight be verbal?
In informal speech, "fight" is sometimes used to describe verbal disagreements.
Harlon Moss
Sep 20, 2023
Can animals Fight or Quarrel?
Animals can fight, but they do not quarrel as they don't engage in verbal disputes.
Harlon Moss
Sep 20, 2023
Is a Quarrel always trivial?
No, quarrels can be about significant issues, although the term often implies a level of pettiness.
Samantha Walker
Sep 20, 2023
Is Fight a stronger word than Quarrel?
Typically, yes, as it often involves physical confrontation.
Harlon Moss
Sep 20, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
