What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
strife
Example
The country was torn apart by strife and civil war. [strife: noun]
Example
The company is facing internal strife due to disagreements among the management. [strife: noun]
dispute
Example
The neighbors had a dispute over the property line. [dispute: noun]
Example
The two sides disputed the terms of the contract. [dispute: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dispute is more commonly used than strife in everyday language. Dispute is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while strife is less common and often reserved for more serious or dramatic situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between strife and dispute?
Dispute is a more neutral and formal word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Strife, on the other hand, has a more negative connotation and is typically associated with more informal or dramatic language.