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litigare

to argue

verb lee-tee-GAH-reh Rare

Origin: From Latin litigare, 'to dispute'.

Also means

to quarrel

Usage Note

Litigare specifically means to argue or quarrel — it is not a false friend of English 'litigate' (= fare causa, ricorrere in giudizio). It takes avere as auxiliary: hanno litigato tutta la sera. The noun is litigio (quarrel) and lite (dispute). Discutere implies a calmer discussion; litigare implies raised voices.

Examples

"I due fratelli litigano spesso."

Natural Translation

The two brothers often argue.

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