Fight vs. Quarrel: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on September 29, 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.
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.
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.
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."
Comparison Chart
Type of Conflict
Physical (generally)
Verbal (generally)
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Grammatical Form
Noun and Verb
Noun and Verb
Metaphorical Use
Often (e.g., fight for justice)
Rarely
Common Settings
Organized events, spontaneous confrontations
Informal, spontaneous interactions
Etymology
Old English "feohtan"
Old English "quarell"
Fight and Quarrel Definitions
Fight
A physical confrontation between individuals.
The fight broke out suddenly in the bar.
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Quarrel
A reason for disagreement or dispute.
Money is often a quarrel in relationships.
Fight
A contentious interaction, sometimes used to describe verbal disputes.
Their constant fights are ruining the relationship.
Quarrel
A formal objection or complaint.
He had no quarrel with the decision.
Fight
To attempt to harm or gain power over an adversary by blows or with weapons.
Quarrel
A cause for discord or tension.
The old quarrel between the families resurfaced.
Fight
(Sports) To engage in a boxing match or other similar contest.
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.
Fight
To engage in a quarrel; argue
They are always fighting about money.
Quarrel
A reason for a dispute or argument
We have no quarrel with the findings of the committee.
Fight
To strive vigorously and resolutely, as in trying to overcome something; contend
Fought against graft.
Fighting for her rights.
Quarrel
A bolt for a crossbow.
Fight
To contend with or oppose with violence or in battle.
Quarrel
A tool, such as a stonemason's chisel, that has a squared head.
Fight
To wage or carry on (a battle).
Quarrel
A small diamond-shaped or square pane of glass in a latticed window.
Fight
To contend for, as by combat
“I now resolved that Calais should be fought to the death” (Winston S. Churchill).
Quarrel
To express angry disagreement; engage in a quarrel
The children quarreled over the last piece of cake.
Fight
(Sports) To take part in a boxing match or other similar contest with (an opponent).
Quarrel
To find fault or disagree
I quarrel with your conclusions.
Fight
To participate in (a boxing match or other similar contest).
Quarrel
(countable) A dispute or heated argument (especially one that is verbal).
We got into a silly quarrel about what food to order.
Fight
To cause (a boxer or other contestant) to fight in a match.
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.
Fight
To contend with or struggle against
Fought his boss over every penny.
Fought temptation.
Quarrel
A propensity to quarrel; quarrelsomeness.
Fight
To try to prevent the development or success of
Fought the attempt to close the school.
Quarrel
An arrow or bolt for a crossbow or an type]] of crossbow, traditionally with the head square in its cross section.
Fight
To try to extinguish (an uncontrolled fire).
Quarrel
A diamond- or square-shaped piece of glass forming part of a lattice window.
Fight
To make (one's way) by struggle or striving
Fought my way to the top.
Quarrel
A square tile; a quarry tile; (uncountable) such tiles collectively.
Fight
A confrontation between opposing groups in which each attempts to harm or gain power over the other, as with bodily force or weapons.
Quarrel
A cutting tool or chisel with a diamond- or square-shaped end.
Fight
A physical conflict between two or more individuals.
Quarrel
A small square-shaped opening in window tracery.
Fight
A boxing match.
Quarrel
To argue fiercely; to contend; to squabble; to cease to be on friendly terms, to fall out.
Fight
A contest in kickboxing, any of the mixed martial arts, or a similar sport.
Quarrel
(intransitive) To find fault; to cavil.
To quarrel with one’s lot
Fight
A quarrel or conflict
Newlyweds having a fight over chores.
Quarrel
Followed by at: to disagree with; to take offence.
Fight
A struggle to achieve an objective
A fight for the attainment of civil rights.
Quarrel
To argue or squabble with (someone).
Fight
The power or inclination to fight; pugnacity
I just didn't have any fight left in me.
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.
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.
Quarrel
Any small square or quadrangular member
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.
Quarrel
A glazier's diamond.
Fight
(intransitive) To strive for something; to campaign or contend for success.
He fought for the Democrats in the last election.
Quarrel
A four-sided cutting tool or chisel having a diamond-shaped end.
Fight
(transitive) To conduct or engage in (battle, warfare etc.).
The battle was fought just over that hill.
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.
Fight
(transitive) To engage in combat with; to oppose physically, to contest with.
My grandfather fought the Nazis in World War II.
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.
Fight
(transitive) To try to overpower; to fiercely counteract.
The government pledged to fight corruption.
Quarrel
Earnest desire or longing.
Fight
To cause to fight; to manage or manoeuvre in a fight.
To fight cocks; to fight one's ship
Quarrel
One who quarrels or wrangles; one who is quarrelsome.
Fight
(intransitive) Of colours or other design elements: to clash; to fail to harmonize.
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.
Fight
An occasion of fighting.
One of them got stuck in a chokehold and got stabbed to death during the fight.
Quarrel
To dispute angrily, or violently; to wrangle; to scold; to altercate; to contend; to fight.
Beasts called sociable quarrel in hunger and lust.
Fight
(archaic) A battle between opposing armies.
Quarrel
To find fault; to cavil; as, to quarrel with one's lot.
I will not quarrel with a slight mistake.
Fight
A physical confrontation or combat between two or more people or groups.
Watch your language! Are you looking for a fight?
Quarrel
To quarrel with.
Fight
(sports) A boxing or martial arts match.
I'm going to Nick’s to watch the big fight tomorrow night.
Quarrel
To compel by a quarrel; as, to quarrel a man out of his estate or rights.
Fight
A conflict, possibly nonphysical, with opposing ideas or forces; strife.
I'll put up a fight to save this company.
Quarrel
An angry dispute;
They had a quarrel
They had words
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.
Quarrel
An arrow that is shot from a crossbow; has a head with four edges
Fight
(obsolete) A screen for the combatants in ships; an arming.
Quarrel
Have a disagreement over something;
We quarreled over the question as to who discovered America
These tewo fellows are always scrapping over something
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.
Quarrel
A verbal disagreement or argument between people.
Their quarrel was over something trivial.
Fight
To act in opposition to anything; to struggle against; to contend; to strive; to make resistance.
Quarrel
A contentious exchange of views.
Their public quarrel was embarrassing.
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.
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.
Fight
To cause to fight; to manage or maneuver in a fight; as, to fight cocks; to fight one's ship.
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.
Fight
A struggle or contest of any kind.
Fight
Strength or disposition for fighting; pugnacity; as, he has a great deal of fight in him.
Fight
A screen for the combatants in ships.
Up with your fights, and your nettings prepare.
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
Fight
An intense verbal dispute;
A violent fight over the bill is expected in the Senate
Fight
A boxing match;
The fight was on television last night
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
Fight
An aggressive willingness to compete;
The team was full of fight
Fight
Be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight;
The tribesmen fought each other
Siblings are always fighting
Fight
Fight against or resist strongly;
The senator said he would oppose the bill
Don't fight it!
Fight
Make a strenuous or labored effort;
She struggled for years to survive without welfare
He fought for breath
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
Fight
A struggle against an abstract concept.
The fight against poverty continues.
Fight
An organized physical contest.
The championship fight drew a large crowd.
Fight
Active resistance or opposition.
The soldiers were prepared for the fight.
FAQs
Can Fight refer to a metaphorical struggle?
Yes, like fighting for justice or against an illness.
What is the primary difference between Fight and Quarrel?
Fight usually refers to a physical confrontation, while Quarrel pertains to a verbal disagreement.
Which is more intense, a Fight or a Quarrel?
A fight, generally, as it often involves physical aggression.
Can Fight refer to organized events?
Yes, such as in sports like boxing or MMA.
Can you have a Quarrel with a friend?
Yes, quarrels can happen in any interpersonal relationship.
Is a Fight always negative?
Not always, it can refer to a struggle for a positive cause.
What are the origins of Fight and Quarrel?
Both come from Old English—Fight from "feohtan" and Quarrel from "quarell."
Is Quarrel formal or informal?
It is generally used in informal contexts to describe disputes.
Can Fight and Quarrel be both nouns and verbs?
Yes, both words can serve as nouns and verbs.
Is Quarrel used metaphorically?
Rarely, it usually refers to real, verbal disputes.
Is Quarrel ever physical?
Rarely, it is most often verbal in nature.
Can a Fight be verbal?
In informal speech, "fight" is sometimes used to describe verbal disagreements.
Can animals Fight or Quarrel?
Animals can fight, but they do not quarrel as they don't engage in verbal disputes.
Is a Quarrel always trivial?
No, quarrels can be about significant issues, although the term often implies a level of pettiness.
Is Fight a stronger word than Quarrel?
Typically, yes, as it often involves physical confrontation.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited 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.
