disagree

[ dis-uh-gree ]

verb (used without object)

, dis·a·greed, dis·a·gree·ing.

1. to fail to agree; differ:

   The conclusions disagree with the facts. The theories disagree in their basic premises.

2. to differ in opinion; dissent:

   Three of the judges disagreed with the verdict.

3. to quarrel:

   They disagreed violently and parted company.

4. to cause physical discomfort or ill effect (usually followed by with ):

   The oysters disagreed with her. Cold weather disagrees with me.

disagree

/ ˌdɪsəˈɡriː /

verb

1. to dissent in opinion (from another person) or dispute (about an idea, fact, etc)
2. to fail to correspond; conflict
3. to be unacceptable (to) or unfavourable (for); be incompatible (with)

   curry disagrees with me

4. to be opposed (to) in principle

Other Words From

• predis·a·gree verb (used without object) predisagreed predisagreeing

Word History and Origins

Origin of disagree¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Anglo-French, Middle French desagreer; equivalent to dis- ¹ + agree

Example Sentences

University officials disputed the union’s allegations, saying in a statement that “we fundamentally disagree with AFSCME’s claims of bad faith bargaining and characterization of unacceptable bargaining proposals.”

From Los Angeles Times

In a statement, Cedars-Sinai said that “we respectfully disagree with the department’s assertions but pledge to continue working to improve maternal health equity.”

From Los Angeles Times

Voters also disagreed with the state party’s endorsements on four other measures, including a failed initiative that sought to ban involuntary servitude in prisons.

From Los Angeles Times

“People who disagree with us are not the enemy,” he posted on Instagram.

From Los Angeles Times

Lyons said he disagreed with the UK Government's decision to change how winter fuel support works and that he would continue to make the case for its full reinstatement.

From BBC

Related Words

• bicker
• clash
• contend
• differ
• dissent
• divide
• feud
• haggle
• object
• oppose
• quarrel
• quibble
• spar
• wrangle

More About Disagree

What is a basic definition of disagree?

Disagree means to not agree or to differ. Disagree can also mean to have different opinions or to cause physical discomfort.

If two things disagree, they don’t match and most likely clash with each other. For example, the belief that pigs are able to fly disagrees with all scientific knowledge of pigs. The noun form of disagree is disagreement.

• Real-life examples: Countries often have plans that disagree with other countries’ plans. Scientists and historians often make discoveries that disagree with earlier information.
• Used in a sentence: When you measure a board twice and the measurements disagree, you should measure the board again.

If two people disagree on something, they have different opinions or beliefs. Usually, these different opinions conflict with each other.

• Real-life examples: People often angrily disagree with each other on social media. Political parties often disagree on many social issues. You may disagree with your friends on what the best flavor of ice cream is.
• Used in a sentence: My brother thinks green is the best color, but I disagree and think blue is the best. 

Disagree can also mean to cause physical discomfort or illness. This sense of disagree is often followed by with.

• Real-life examples: If you have lactose intolerance, milk will disagree with you and will cause stomach aches and other problems if you drink it. Rotten food will probably disagree with you and cause food poisoning or vomiting.
• Used in a sentence: I try to stay inside in the winter because cold weather really disagrees with me. 

Where does disagree come from?

The first records of disagree come from around 1425. It ultimately comes from the Middle French desagreer. It combines prefix dis-, which has a reversing or negative force, and the word agree, meaning “to have the same views.”

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to disagree?

• disagreeable (adjective)
• disagreement (noun)
• predisagree (verb)

What are some synonyms for disagree?

• clash
• differ
• contradict
• dissent
• argue
• bicker
• sicken
• upset

What are some words that share a root or word element with disagree? 

• agree
• disagreeable
• disagreement

What are some words that often get used in discussing disagree?

• agree
• difference
• opinion
• belief
• argument

How is disagree used in real life?

Disagree is a very common word that often means to not agree or to have a different opinion.

My stomach isn't feeling very well. I wonder if those truffles I had at lunch disagreed with me. :(

— Leann King (@leannwking) March 15, 2009

I politely disagree, shock is a real thing and also hitting your head can cause you to forget things. I'm not saying he wasn't or he was impaired, but there are ways to not remember things.

— Savannah Leigh (@SportsGirlSL) April 7, 2021

Ok, so we disagree, but it could be worse 🤷‍♂️

— Ben Howell (he/him) (@benhowell71) April 7, 2021

Try using disagree!

Is disagree used correctly in the following sentence?

I love pineapple on pizza but many people disagree with me and say it is terrible.