What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
contretemps
Example
There was a slight contretemps between the two colleagues over the project deadline. [contretemps: noun]
Example
The dinner party was going smoothly until a contretemps occurred when the host spilled wine on the guest's dress. [contretemps: noun]
quarrel
Example
The couple had a quarrel over finances that lasted for hours. [quarrel: noun]
Example
The neighbors quarreled loudly over the property line dispute. [quarreled: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Quarrel is more commonly used than contretemps in everyday language. Quarrel is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while contretemps is less common and tends to be used in more formal or literary contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between contretemps and quarrel?
Contretemps is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, while quarrel can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
