Altercating

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Involvement in a lively dispute typically features confrontational dialogue and differing opinions
2. Participation in a vigorous dialogue often includes intense disagreements and vocal exchanges of views
3. Taking part in a heated exchange of words involving strong disagreement

Etymology: "Altercating" comes from the Latin verb "altercari," meaning to dispute or wrangle, which itself grew from "alter," "the other one." The idea behind the word is therefore two parties taking opposite sides, each insisting on the other's position being wrong. English borrowed the root verb "altercate" directly from Latin "altercari," and the participle form "altercating" follows the same pattern, describing an ongoing argument in which the speakers are actively trading opposing views. The Latin root is worth pausing on. "Alter" is a close cousin of English "other," and "alter" in the sense of change came into English through a different route. Within "altercari," the sense of another person across the dispute is what gives the word its contentious edge: the argument is always between one side and the other.

Synonyms: arguing, quarreling

Antonyms: reconciling, agreeing