disputa
/ˈdis.pu.ta/
The English phrase "dispute" is translated into Italian as disputa.
While it can refer to a verbal argument, it is frequently used in Italian to describe a formal or technical disagreement, such as a legal dispute or a competition for territory.
Meaning: to argue against (verb)
Which one should you use?
While disputa can refer to a verbal argument, it is often used for more technical or formal disagreements, such as those involving legal matters or territorial competition.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun disputa (dispute) corresponds to the infinitive verb disputare (to dispute or to argue). The third-person plural present indicative form of this verb is disputano (they dispute).
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈdis.pu.ta/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- If an Italian says they are disputando a game, they are not arguing about the rules. Instead, they are describing the act of playing or competing in the match itself.
- In a formal academic context, a disputa refers to a traditional scholastic method of debate where a thesis is defended against structured objections.
- The word disputa shares its origin with the English 'dispute' through the Latin 'disputare', meaning to discuss or examine. This makes them cognates that look and sound nearly identical in both languages.
Examples in context
- Stanno avendo una disputa riguardo ai soldi.They're having a dispute about money.This sentence shows the use of disputa regarding a dispute about money.Tatoeba #13159071 by Guybrush88, translation #680719 by Source_VOA
- Il Nero mette la prima pietra su D5 e il Bianco risponde mettendo la sua prima pietra su F5. La disputa per il territorio inizia vicino al centro del tavolo.Black places the first stone at D5, and White responds by placing his first stone at F5. The dispute for territory starts near the board center.This sentence uses disputa to describe a dispute for territory in a game.Tatoeba #10357314 by carlosalberto, translation #10357295 by carlosalberto
- Abbiamo risolto la controversia tramite la mediazioneWe resolved the dispute through mediation
- Ci troviamo in disaccordo sulla questioneWe disagree on the matter
- Ci sono stati numerosi contrasti tra le due partiThere have been several disputes between the two parties
- Le contese tra i partiti politici sono diventate sempre più acceseThe disputes between political parties have become increasingly heated
- Abbiamo avuto un litigio, ma ora tutto è risoltoWe had a dispute, but now everything is resolved
- Abbiamo avuto una discussione animata sulle vacanze estiveWe had a lively discussion about summer vacations
- Hanno avuto una disputa accesa sulla scelta del ristoranteThey had a heated dispute about restaurant choice
- La polemica politica ha dominato i media nei giorni scorsiPolitical controversy has dominated the media in recent days
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are discussing a business contract.
- AlessandroSofia, tu disputa questo punto del contratto?Sofia, do you dispute this point of the contract?
- SofiaSì, non sono d'accordo con la clausola.Yes, I don't agree with the clause.
- AlessandroPossiamo trovare un compromesso allora.We can find a compromise then.
- SofiaCertamente, ne parliamo adesso.Certainly, let's talk about it now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry disputa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries disputa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
