What is conflict? Pronunciation and usage in English

conflict means . Learn how to pronounce and use conflict through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of conflict

conflictnoun

/ˈkɒnflɪkt/
Definition & pronunciation of conflict

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "conflict" in English. Here's a breakdown with phonetic transcriptions and tips:

1. Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/ˈkɒnflɪkt/

Let's break that down:

  • ˈ (primary stress): This symbol indicates that the first syllable is the most emphasized.
  • kɒn: This is the first syllable.
    • k – as in "cat"
    • ɒ – This is a short, rounded "o" sound, like in "caught" or "hot." It's important not to say a long "o" like in "boat."
    • n – as in "now"
  • flɪkt: This is the second syllable.
    • fl – as in "flower"
    • ɪ – A short "i" sound, as in "bit"
    • kt – The “kt” sounds like “kt” in “exact”

2. How to Say it Aloud:

Here’s a step-by-step approach to say it:

  1. Start with the “k” sound: "k" as in "cat."
  2. Say the “con” syllable: “con” with a short, rounded "o" sound (like "caught").
  3. Add the “fl” syllable: “fl” as in "flower."
  4. Add the “i” syllable: “i” as in "bit."
  5. Finish with “kt”: Say “kt” as in “exact”.

Putting it together smoothly: /ˈkɒnflɪkt/ (think: “con-flikt”)

3. Tips for Pronunciation:

  • The "o" sound is key: Many people mispronounce this word because they use a long "o" sound. Focus on the quick, short, rounded "o" in "con."
  • Don't over-emphasize: It’s a fairly clipped word – don’t elongate the syllables too much.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear native speakers pronounce it. Here are some options:
    • Google: Search for "how to pronounce conflict" on Google and play the audio examples.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/conflict/ – Forvo is a website where you can hear words pronounced by native speakers from different countries.
    • YouTube: Search for videos on YouTube that demonstrate pronunciation.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (Different English accents can slightly alter pronunciation.)

Usage and examples with the word conflict in English

Let's break down how to use the word "conflict" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings and ways to incorporate it into your writing and speech.

1. Core Meaning: Disagreement or Opposition

  • Definition: At its most basic, "conflict" means a serious disagreement or argument. It suggests a clash of ideas, interests, or wills.

  • Examples:

    • "There's a conflict between his loyalty to his family and his ambition to succeed." (Disagreement about priorities)
    • "The two countries are in a state of conflict." (A more formal, potentially military, disagreement)
    • "They had a heated conflict over the dinner plans." (A strong argument)

2. Types of Conflicts – Expanding the Meaning

"Conflict" isn't just about arguments. It can represent a broader range of struggles:

  • Internal Conflict: This is a struggle within a person. It’s often about emotions, values, or desires.

    • "She wrestled with an internal conflict – wanting to stay safe versus wanting to take a risk."
    • "He faced an internal conflict about whether to tell the truth."

  • Interpersonal Conflict: A disagreement between two or more people. (This is closely related to the basic definition)

    • “The employees had an interpersonal conflict resulting in a tense work environment.”

  • Man vs. Nature Conflict: A struggle between a character and the forces of the natural world. Common in stories.

    • "The explorers faced a conflict with the harsh desert environment."

  • Man vs. Society Conflict: A struggle between a character and the rules, customs, or institutions of a society.

    • “The young activist engaged in a conflict with the authorities when protesting.”

  • Man vs. Supernatural Conflict: A struggle against supernatural forces, ghosts, or mythical creatures.

    • "The hero’s conflict was battling a powerful demon."

  • Psychological Conflict: A conflict of thoughts and feelings.

    • "The patient showed a conflict between his conscious desires and his repressed memories."

3. Using "Conflict" as a Noun vs. a Verb

  • Noun: Used to describe the state or situation of disagreement. (e.g., "The conflict escalated.")
  • Verb: Used to describe the act of disagreeing or struggling. (e.g., “The negotiators tried to conflict the terms of the agreement.”)

4. Phrases and Expressions with "Conflict"

  • Conflict of interest: A situation where someone's personal interests could compromise their judgment.
  • Conflict resolution: The process of settling disputes.
  • Conflict management: Strategies for dealing with conflict effectively.
  • To come into conflict with: To start disagreeing or arguing with someone. (e.g., "He came into conflict with his boss.")
  • To resolve a conflict: To find a solution to a disagreement.
  • A state of conflict: (e.g., "The region was in a state of conflict.")

5. Level of Formality

"Conflict" is generally a formal word. You might use it in a business report, academic essay, or novel, but in casual conversation, you’d often use simpler words like "disagreement," "problem," or "fight."

Resources for further learning:

To help me give you an even more tailored answer, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about using "conflict" in? (e.g., writing a story, giving a presentation, discussing a current event?)

Synonyms for the word conflict

Idioms of the word conflict

conflict of interest(s)
a situation in which somebody has two jobs, aims, roles, etc. and cannot treat both of them equally and fairly at the same time
  • There was a conflict of interest between his business dealings and his political activities.
  • One member of the planning committee had a conflict of interest as he lived near the proposed road.
  • There is often a conflict of interests between farmers and conservationists.

Practice with vocabulary conflict

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The management team faced a significant ______ regarding resource allocation, requiring extensive negotiation.
  2. Despite their best efforts, a deep-seated ______ of values existed between the two departments, hindering collaboration.
  3. The sudden downturn in the market created a considerable ______ for small businesses.
  4. The new policy is designed to reduce ______ within the organization, fostering a more collaborative environment.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words could describe a state of serious disagreement between individuals or groups? A) Harmony B) Discord C) Unison D) Conflict E) Consensus F) Friction

  2. The diplomatic efforts aimed to prevent an armed ______ from escalating further in the region. A) agreement B) pact C) conflict D) resolution

  3. Which situations are likely to involve a conflict of interest? A) A judge presiding over a case involving a close family member. B) An employee making purchasing decisions for their company from a business they own. C) A public official voting on legislation that directly benefits their private investments. D) A student studying for an exam.

  4. The project team encountered a major ______ when their primary software failed unexpectedly. A) hurdle B) advantage C) solution D) compromise

  5. Their long-standing ______ about political ideologies often led to heated debates during family gatherings. A) agreement B) consensus C) dispute D) accord

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The two parties had a strong disagreement over the terms of the new contract. (Rewrite the sentence using a form of "conflict".)

  2. His ethical principles were at odds with the company's aggressive business practices. (Rewrite the sentence using a form of "conflict".)

  3. The constant tension between the department heads was affecting team morale. (Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement word for "tension", without using "conflict".)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. conflict
  2. conflict
  3. challenge
  4. friction

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) Discord, D) Conflict, F) Friction
  2. C) conflict
  3. A) A judge presiding over a case involving a close family member., B) An employee making purchasing decisions for their company from a business they own., C) A public official voting on legislation that directly benefits their private investments.
  4. A) hurdle
  5. C) dispute

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. There was a strong conflict between the two parties over the terms of the new contract.
  2. His ethical principles conflicted with the company's aggressive business practices.
  3. The constant friction between the department heads was affecting team morale.

Comment ()