litigare

Litigare is an Italian verb meaning to quarrel, to argue, or to dispute. In everyday language it refers to a verbal clash between people, typically over disagreements, misunderstandings, or competing interests. The noun litigo denotes a quarrel, and related terms include disputare (to discuss or dispute) and litigazione (litigation in a legal sense). The verb can express both informal arguments and more formal disputes when used with the appropriate context.

Etymology and use in law: Litigare derives from Latin litigare, itself from lis, litis meaning a dispute or legal matter, combined with agere “to do.” In Italian, the legal sense of disputing a case is reflected in the same root, though everyday usage remains primarily about personal quarrels. In legal contexts the process is more often referred to by nouns such as litigazione or contenzioso, while litigare can still appear in phrases like litigare una causa or litigare in tribunale to indicate engaging in litigation.

Grammar and style: Litigare is a regular -are verb. It is intransitive and typically used with the preposition con to specify the opponent: litigare con qualcuno. It can also be used with su or riguardo to indicate the subject of the dispute: litigare su una questione. The verb forms include litigo, litighi, litiga, litighiamo, litigate, litigheranno, and the past tense litigato.

Nuance and synonyms: Litigare conveys a sense of emotional heat compared with più neutral discutere. Synonyms include discutere, contendere (more formal or legal), and disputare. An adjective form is litigioso, meaning quarrelsome.

See also: litigo, litigazione, contenzioso.