Meaning
Dispute means to argue about something, question its truth or correctness, or a disagreement or conflict between people or groups. It can be used both as a verb and a noun.
- Verb: to argue against or challenge something.
- Noun: a disagreement or argument between parties.
Grammar and Usage
As a verb
- Structure: dispute + noun e.g. “They disputed the claim.”
- Often followed by over, about, or with to show what the argument is about. e.g. “They disputed over the results.”
As a noun
- Structure: a dispute over/about something e.g. “There was a dispute over land ownership.”
Part of speech:
- Verb (transitive, sometimes intransitive)
- Noun (countable)
Common Phrases
- in dispute – being argued about The issue is still in dispute.
- resolve a dispute – to settle or end an argument The company helped to resolve the dispute peacefully.
- dispute a claim/decision/fact – to challenge or deny it He disputed the decision made by the referee.
Collocations
- verb + dispute: resolve, settle, avoid, trigger
- noun + dispute: border dispute, legal dispute, trade dispute
- adjective + dispute: serious dispute, long-running dispute, political dispute
Examples
- They disputed the accuracy of the report.
- The two countries are in a territorial dispute.
- She disputed the charge on her credit card.
- The manager tried to settle the dispute between the employees.
- Scientists continue to dispute the theory.
- The contract was canceled due to a payment dispute.
- The referee’s call was disputed by the entire team.
- Labor disputes often result in strikes.
- We should avoid disputes whenever possible.
- The case is still in dispute.
Synonyms or Related
- argue
- debate
- challenge
- contest
- conflict
Antonym
- agree
- accept
- approve
- concede