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Glite Dictionary
to have a quarrel

to have a quarrel

4 2.8
Argue with someone and feel angry or upset afterward
  • phrasal verb
  • /hæv ə ˈkwɔrəl/
: tener una discusión
  • After a small misunderstanding, you and I have a quarrel that needs to be resolved.

Examples

Synonyms

to argue
vsto have a quarrel
820 1.1

To speak angrily with someone because you disagree

adds that the argument often creates lasting bad feelings
to have words
vsto have a quarrel
  • Informal
122 6.9

Talk angrily to someone because of a disagreement

is the same idea but highlights possible damaged feelings
to have words (with)
vsto have a quarrel
  • Informal
102 7.5

Argue angrily with someone about something

is broader, covering arguing that may also end friendships
to clash
vsto have a quarrel
58 3.1

To disagree strongly with another person or group

is similar but may also mean milder arguing causing bad feelings
to argue over
vsto have a quarrel
43 2.9

To talk with someone because you disagree about something

covers that specific dispute but also general falling out
to bicker
vsto have a quarrel
37 4.1

Argue again and again with someone about small unimportant things

covers arguing that can be more serious and harm relationships
to quarrel
vsto have a quarrel
34 2.6

To argue angrily with someone about small things

is the general idea of arguing that causes bad feelings
to squabble
vsto have a quarrel
  • Informal
26 4.4

To argue loudly about small unimportant things

is broader and includes arguments that cause bad feelings
to fall out
vsto have a quarrel
20 3.6

To stop being friendly with someone after an argument

focuses on the argument itself rather than the ended relationship
to have a beef
vsto have a quarrel
  • Slang
20 8.2

To complain about something

expresses active arguing or falling out rather than a complaint
to butt heads
vsto have a quarrel
  • Informal
14 6.3

To argue strongly with each other

is the general act of arguing that may be less confrontational
to wrangle
vsto have a quarrel
8 6.8

To argue loudly for a long time

is the basic arguing act without the noisy prolonged aspect
to cross swords
vsto have a quarrel
  • Informal
6 6.8

Argue strongly with someone, often in public

is broader, including both verbal fights and lasting resentments
to lock horns
vsto have a quarrel
  • Informal
6 5.1

To argue strongly with someone about something

can be less intense and include milder quarrels
to skirmish over
vsto have a quarrel
1 6.7

Argue a little about something, like where to eat

implies a more serious argument that can damage feelings
to altercate
vsto have a quarrel
  • Formal
9.9

To argue angrily, often for a long time or in public

is everyday arguing, not necessarily formal or prolonged

Antonyms

to make peace
123 3.4

To stop arguing and become friendly again

to reconcile
49 5.1

To become friendly again after a disagreement

How Serious

to fight
∞ 1.0
to have a quarrel
4 2.8

Surface Forms

have a quarrel infinitive
had a quarrel past
had a quarrel past participle
having a quarrel present participle
has a quarrel third person singular

Morphology

have + a + quarrel

The verb 'have' meaning 'to experience' combined with the noun 'quarrel' meaning 'an angry disagreement' directly yields 'to experience an argument', so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words can readily infer the meaning. The pattern have + a + noun (indicating an event or occurrence) is common across languages and non-idiomatic, supporting a transparent rating.

Etymology

Have a quarrel gives a simple picture: two people have a quarrel when they meet and throw sharp words at each other like small stones. So, it means 'to argue' or 'fall out' and end up with bad feelings.