quarrelsome
UK: ˈkwɒrəlsəm | US: ˈkwɔːrəlsəm
adj. inclined to quarrel or argue; contentious
adj. characterized by or prone to disputes
The word "quarrelsome" combines "quarrel," derived from Old French querele (meaning "complaint" or "dispute"), with the suffix "-some," which originates from Old English -sum (indicating a tendency or quality). The suffix "-some" is commonly used to form adjectives describing a propensity (e.g., "tiresome," "lonesome"). The evolution reflects a straightforward compounding: "quarrel" (the act of arguing) + "-some" (tending to) = "prone to arguing."
The quarrelsome neighbor often started arguments over trivial matters.
Her quarrelsome nature made teamwork difficult.
The meeting turned chaotic due to a few quarrelsome participants.
Children can become quarrelsome when tired or hungry.
He avoided the quarrelsome debate to keep the peace.