Definition

In a way that involves arguing or fighting with others.

Example

The siblings quarrelsomely debated over who would get the last piece of cake.

Conversation

I noticed that you and Mark have been arguing a lot lately.

Yeah, we tend to debate things quarrelsomely sometimes.

It's surprising since you usually get along well.

I guess we just have different opinions on this one topic.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Quarrelsomely → It is formed from "quarrel" (from Old French *quarrel*, meaning a dispute or argument) and the suffix "-some" (meaning inclined to) combined with "-ly" (meaning in a manner). The word "quarrelsomely" means in a manner inclined to cause disputes or arguments.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'inclined' ('-some') to get into 'arguments' ('quarrel') — that's why quarrelsomely means behaving in a way that leads to disputes.

Visually Confused Words