Conflict Meaning
Conflict Definition & Usage
A serious disagreement or argument, typically a protracted one.
Examples
- "The conflict between the two countries lasted for decades."
- "Their long-standing conflict over property rights was finally resolved in court."
- "The team is struggling to resolve the internal conflict between its star players."
- "She felt torn between her loyalty to her friends and the conflict of interests at work."
- "The conflict of values in the company led to widespread dissatisfaction among employees."
A clash or incompatibility between different ideas, beliefs, or interests.
Examples
- "The conflict between modern science and traditional beliefs remains unresolved in many societies."
- "Their personal conflict with technology led them to reject many of the latest gadgets."
- "There is an inherent conflict between economic growth and environmental sustainability."
- "The ideological conflict within the political party caused a schism among its members."
- "The conflict between personal ambition and family obligations made decision-making difficult."
A situation in which different forces or entities are opposed to each other, creating tension or danger.
Examples
- "The region has been in a constant state of conflict due to border disputes."
- "The political conflict created instability in the country's governance."
- "The ideological conflict between left-wing and right-wing factions has shaped the nation’s history."
- "Her emotional conflict over whether to move away for a job opportunity was causing her anxiety."
- "The ongoing social conflict is a result of systemic inequality and injustice."
To be in a state of disagreement or opposition.
Examples
- "Their values conflict, which makes their relationship challenging."
- "His personal goals conflicted with the team's mission, causing tension."
- "The project deadlines conflicted with the holiday schedule, making planning difficult."
- "Her desire for a quiet life conflicts with the demands of her high-profile career."
- "The two schedules conflicted, so I had to reschedule the meeting."
Cultural Context
The word 'conflict' derives from Latin, where 'conflictus' means to strike together. Over time, it came to signify broader struggles or clashes between opposing forces, whether physical, ideological, or emotional. The concept of conflict is central to both personal and collective human experience, as it appears in a variety of forms, from interpersonal disputes to geopolitical tensions.
The Quiet Divide
Story
The Quiet Divide
It was a typical Sunday afternoon, and Megan sat at the kitchen table, her hands wrapped around a mug of tea. Her husband, Paul, was pacing the floor in front of her, his brows furrowed. It had been a week since they last spoke about their future, and the silence between them had grown thick, almost unbearable. 'Why don’t you understand?' Paul snapped. 'I’ve told you a hundred times that I need this job. It’s what I’ve worked for all these years.' Megan sighed, her eyes avoiding his. 'But it’s taking you away from us, Paul. I feel like I’m losing you to your career.' The conflict between their personal desires and their responsibilities had been simmering for months. Every conversation seemed to circle back to the same issue: his career versus their family life. 'You don’t get it,' Paul continued, his voice softer now. 'I’m doing this for us—for you, for the kids. But I can’t do it if you don’t support me.' Megan’s heart ached, but she knew she couldn’t ignore the emotional conflict growing inside her. She had always supported his ambitions, but at what cost? The tug-of-war between her own needs and his was tearing her apart. 'I do support you,' she said quietly. 'But at what point do we start living for us, for the family?' The words hung in the air between them, a palpable tension, a reflection of the broader conflict that defined their marriage. They had to make a choice: continue down this path of misunderstanding, or resolve their differences. Finally, Paul stopped pacing and looked at her, his expression weary. 'Maybe we need a break. Time to think about what we really want.' The conversation wasn’t over, but for the first time in weeks, Megan felt a glimmer of hope that they could find a resolution to their conflict. Perhaps, just perhaps, they could come to a place where their desires would no longer conflict, but align.
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