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Glite Dictionary
to have a quarrel

to have a quarrel

2 2.8
Argue with someone and feel angry or upset afterward
  • phrasal verb
  • /hæv ə ˈkwɔrəl/
translation icon : 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
607 1.1

To speak angrily with someone because you disagree

adds that the argument often creates lasting bad feelings
to have words (with)
vsto have a quarrel
  • Informal
119 7.5

Argue angrily with someone about something

is broader, covering arguing that may also end friendships
to clash
vsto have a quarrel
46 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
36 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
36 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
35 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
18 4.4

To argue loudly about small unimportant things

is broader and includes arguments that cause bad feelings
to have a beef
vsto have a quarrel
  • Slang
17 8.2

To complain about something

expresses active arguing or falling out rather than a complaint
to fall out
vsto have a quarrel
15 3.6

To stop being friendly with someone after an argument

focuses on the argument itself rather than the ended relationship
to butt heads
vsto have a quarrel
  • Informal
13 6.3

To argue strongly with each other

is the general act of arguing that may be less confrontational
to have words
vsto have a quarrel
  • Informal
11 6.9

Talk angrily to someone because of a disagreement

is the same idea but highlights possible damaged feelings
to wrangle
vsto have a quarrel
6 6.8

To argue loudly for a long time

is the basic arguing act without the noisy prolonged aspect
to lock horns
vsto have a quarrel
  • Informal
5 5.1

To argue strongly with someone about something

can be less intense and include milder quarrels
to cross swords
vsto have a quarrel
  • Informal
5 6.8

Argue strongly with someone, often in public

is broader, including both verbal fights and lasting resentments
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
to skirmish over
vsto have a quarrel
6.7

Argue a little about something, like where to eat

implies a more serious argument that can damage feelings

Antonyms

to make peace
89 3.4

To stop arguing and become friendly again

to reconcile
38 5.1

To become friendly again after a disagreement

How Serious

to fight
∞ 1.0
to have a quarrel
2 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.