tiff

/tɪf/ (bre, ipa) · [tˈɪf] /tɪf/ (ame, ipa) · [tˈɪf] /ˈtif/ (ame, mw)

tiff — noun

  • tiffsingular
  • tiffsplural

1. a short, small argument between partners, friends, or family members about somet

1.名詞B2
釋義

a short, small argument between partners, friends, or family members about something unimportant

例句

Padma and her roommate had a tiff about dirty dishes left in the sink.

collocation: have a tiff + about/over [topic]

After a silly tiff about weekend plans, Mira and Naoko made up before dinner.

同義詞
  • quarrel

    more serious and can last longer; also used for groups

  • squabble

    same informal register, often about something childish or trivial

  • spat

    very similar meaning and register; slightly more American

  • disagreement

    more neutral and broader in meaning; less emotional

反義詞

文法句型

have a tiff (with someone) (about/over something)

用法筆記

Almost always used with the verb 'have' — to have a tiff (with someone) (about/over something). The conflict is always brief and about something trivial. Not used for serious disagreements or formal disputes between groups or companies.

常見錯誤

❌They had a big tiff about the divorce settlement.
✅They had a big argument about the divorce settlement.
💡A tiff is always minor and short-lived, not a serious dispute.
❌The two companies had a tiff over the contract terms.
✅The two companies had a dispute over the contract terms.
💡Tiff is only used for personal relationships, not formal or business contexts.