Cool MateFeud vs Quarrel
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Feud
Top 2,000 (common)
Quarrel
Top 3,000 (common)
Most common: Feud
| Feud | Quarrel | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //fjuːd//🇺🇸 //fjuːd// | 🇬🇧 //ˈkwɒr.əl//🇺🇸 //ˈkwɔːr.əl// |
| Meaning | A long and angry fight between two groups or people. | A loud argument or fight. |
| Example | The two families have been engaged in a feud for generations. | They had a loud quarrel in the middle of the street. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| Collocations | family feud, long-standing feud, bitter feud, feud over land, ongoing feud | have a quarrel, squabble and quarrel, quarrel with someone |
| Antonyms | harmony, peace | agreement, harmony, accord |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'fued' - correct spelling is 'feud'., Using 'feud' as a verb; it is primarily a noun., Incorrectly thinking it applies only to personal conflicts; can also describe group disputes. | Confusing 'quarrel' with 'argument' when they have slightly different connotations., Using 'quarrel' only as a noun, forgetting it can also be a verb., Overusing in formal contexts where 'disagreement' or 'discussion' might fit better. |
| Usage notes | Used in both formal and informal contexts, often about family or community disagreements. Avoid in casual conversation unless relevant. | Used to describe a disagreement that may become heated. More common in spoken English than in formal written contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Feud vs Quarrel
What's the difference between Feud and Quarrel?
Feud: A long and angry fight between two groups or people. Quarrel: A loud argument or fight.
Which is more common: Feud and Quarrel?
Feud is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Feud: The two families have been engaged in a feud for generations. Quarrel: They had a loud quarrel in the middle of the street.
Can I use Feud and Quarrel interchangeably?
Not always. Feud and Quarrel are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.