What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
quarrelsome
Example
He's always been quarrelsome, picking fights with anyone who disagrees with him. [quarrelsome: adjective]
Example
The meeting became quarrelsome when the topic of salaries was brought up. [quarrelsome: adjective]
contentious
Example
She's known for being contentious and always arguing her point. [contentious: adjective]
Example
The issue of gun control is highly contentious and has sparked many debates. [contentious: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Quarrelsome is more commonly used than contentious in everyday language. Quarrelsome is a more familiar term that is used to describe people or situations that tend to provoke arguments or fights. In contrast, contentious is less common and is typically used in more formal or academic contexts to describe disagreements or disputes.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between quarrelsome and contentious?
Contentious is more formal than quarrelsome. It is often used in academic or legal contexts to describe controversial issues or disputes. In contrast, quarrelsome is more informal and is used to describe personal interactions or situations that tend to provoke arguments or fights.
