disputatious

American  

[dis-pyoo-tey-shuhs] / ˌdɪs pyʊˈteɪ ʃəs /

Also disputative

adjective

1. fond of or given to disputation; argumentative; contentious.

   disputatious litigants.

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disputatious British  

/ dɪˈspjuːtətɪv, ˌdɪspjʊˈteɪʃəs /

adjective

1. inclined to argument

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Other Word Forms

• disputatiously adverb
• disputatiousness noun
• nondisputatious adjective
• nondisputatiously adverb
• nondisputatiousness noun
• undisputatious adjective
• undisputatiously adverb
• undisputatiousness noun

Etymology

Origin of disputatious

First recorded in 1650–60; disputati(on) + -ous

Explanation

If you're always looking for a fight, consider yourself disputatious. However, disputatious is more appropriate for the head of the debate team rather than the playground bully. Disputatious is a somewhat old-fashioned term now. In every day speech we'd probably use a dozen more colorful words, many not printable here. The one area where it does live on is in the legal sphere — two battling parties are often said to be disputatious. And, in fact, an extreme form of being disputatious often involves frequently taking people to court, or being litigious. Only lawyers love disputatious, litigious people.

Example Sentences

“John Proctor” may sound like a relentlessly disputatious drama, but it’s a deeply emotional work.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2025

Private, internal anger at his failings was a good thing, he claimed, a "disputatious culture" better than a "quietly acquiescent" one.

From BBC • Dec. 6, 2023

I grew up in a very disputatious household.

From Salon • Feb. 28, 2023

The incident prompted the gathering of a scrum of disputatious players and team personnel at center court that eventually broke up without serious incident.

From New York Times • Nov. 9, 2021

The closest I ever got was one day when he was escorted down from the mess hall after an argument with the disputatious Officer Colon, who was always stirring things up.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover