What does strife mean?
Strife is a formal noun meaning bitter disagreement, rivalry, or open conflict between individuals or groups. It can describe both large-scale violence and quieter but persistent social or political discord. Because its tone is serious and sometimes literary, it appears often in journalism about war, politics, or institutional conflict. The word conveys more than a minor quarrel: it suggests difficulties that are sustained, divisive, or dangerous. In sentences such as “civil strife” or “political strife,” strife names the condition rather than a single incident. It is also easily confused by spelling with strive, a verb meaning to make a serious effort, but the distinction is semantic as well as grammatical: strife is conflict, whereas strive is purposeful endeavor. Knowing the difference helps writers use both words precisely. Strife is consequently useful for emphasizing social fracture and the human cost of division.
nounBitter or prolonged conflict, disagreement, or rivalry between people or groups. It may refer to open hostility, including armed conflict, or to serious social and political discord.
- Open or armed conflict between people, groups, or nations.
- Serious, persistent disagreement, rivalry, or social discord.
"The region has endured years of political strife that have disrupted ordinary life."
"Economic hardship contributed to widespread internal strife among rival communities."
"The novel explores the strife between tradition and social change."
The plural is standard but uncommon, as strife is often treated as an uncountable noun.
"Centuries of strifes within the empire weakened its political institutions."
Strife names the conflict; strive names the effort—one divisive family of words, two very different ideas.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of strife
Strife is Middle English in origin, continuing Old English strīf, “conflict, dispute.” Old English strīf was borrowed from Latin strīvia, “strife, quarrel,” usually connected with a wider Indo-European family associated with rubbing or striving. The same root underlies strive, giving English a notable pair in which one word denotes conflict and the other denotes the effort made in trying to overcome difficulty.
How strife is actually used
Formal and often literary, strife is stronger and more conflictual than disagreement, although it can describe nonphysical discord.
Easily confused with strife
Strife is a noun meaning conflict or discord, while strive is a verb meaning to make a serious effort toward a goal.