wrangle
RANG-gul
/ˈræŋɡəl/
A long and complicated dispute or argument, often involving legal or administrative details.
Wrangling implies a struggle that is tedious and drawn-out. It is often used for disputes over money, property, or contracts.
The story behind the word. Wrangle comes from the same root as 'wring' and 'wrong'. It originally meant to twist or struggle. This evolved into the idea of 'twisting' words in a long, complicated argument.
Word relationships
- contention: Contention is the state of disagreeing; a wrangle is the active, messy process of the dispute.
- settlement: The resolution of a long-standing dispute.
Commonly confused with
- squabble: A squabble is petty and quick; a wrangle is complex and exhausting.
Word family
- wrangler (noun): A person who engages in disputes; also a person in charge of horses.
Collocations
- legal wrangle
- political wrangle
- long wrangle
Example sentences
- "The legal wrangle over the estate lasted for more than a decade." Describing a legal battle.
Memory hook
Think of 'wrestling' with words. A wrangle is a word-wrestle. Wrangle: Wrestling with rules.
When not to use
Not used for quick, emotional outbursts; it implies a process of back-and-forth disagreement.
Fun facts
- At Cambridge University, a 'Wrangler' is a student who has completed the third year of the Mathematical Tripos with first-class honors.
Related words
Also appears in
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