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conflict
/ˈkɒnflɪkt/
serious disagreement or argument
The conflict between the two countries escalated quickly.
A serious disagreement between nations worsened rapidly.
general
A serious disagreement or argument, typically between people or groups.
There was a conflict between the two siblings over who would inherit the house.
The brothers argued seriously about who would get the family home.
Can refer to verbal disputes, physical fights, or broader disagreements between groups.
general
A state of opposition or incompatibility between ideas, principles, or interests.
There is a conflict between her personal values and her job requirements.
Her beliefs clash with what her employer expects of her.
Often used in discussions about ethics, law, or personal dilemmas.
military
A prolonged armed struggle between opposing forces, typically involving warfare.
The conflict in the region lasted for over a decade.
The war between the opposing sides continued for ten years.
In this context, it often refers to wars or large-scale military engagements.
Collocations
armed conflicta war or violent struggleinternal conflicta struggle within oneselfconflict of interesta situation where personal interests interfere with professional duties
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
The word 'conflict' can mean different things depending on whether it's used in a personal, professional, or military context.
Gold Rule
Avoid Overuse
While 'conflict' is a useful word, it can sometimes be replaced with more specific terms like 'dispute' or 'argument' for clarity.
Word Origin
From Latin 'conflictus', meaning 'a striking together, collision', from 'con-' (together) + 'fligere' (to strike).
Usage Notes
Can be used in both literal and metaphorical senses, depending on context.
Word Breakdown
con-
together
prefix-fligere
to strike
root-tus
past participle suffix
suffixEnglish Dictionary