DISPUTE, verb intransitive [Latin dispute is radically very similar to debate and discuss, both of which are from beating, driving, agitation.]

1. To contend in argument; to reason or argue in opposition; to debate; to altercate; and to dispute violently is to wrangle. Paul disputed with the Jews int he synagogue. The disciples of Christ disputed among themselves who should be the greatest. Men often dispute about trifles.

2. To strive or contend in opposition in a competitor; as, we disputed for the prize.

DISPUTE, verb transitive

1. To attempt to disprove by arguments or statements; to attempt to prove to be false, unfounded or erroneous; to controvert; to attempt to overthrow by reasoning. We dispute assertions, opinions, arguments or statements, when we endeavor to prove them false or unfounded. We dispute the validity of a title or claim. Hence to dispute a cause or case with another, is to endeavor to maintain ones own opinions or claims, and to overthrow those of his opponent.

2. To strive or contend for, either by words or actions; as, to dispute the honor of the day; to dispute a prize. But this phrase is elliptical, being used for dispute for, and primarily the verb is intransitive. See the Intransitive Verb, No. 2.

3. To call in question the propriety of; to oppose by reasoning. An officer is never to dispute the orders of his superior.

4. To strive to maintain; as, to dispute every inch of ground.

DISPUTE, noun

1. Strife or contest in words or by arguments; an attempt to prove and maintain ones own opinions or claims, by arguments or statements, in opposition to the opinions, arguments or claims of another; controversy in words. They had a dispute on the lawfulness of slavery, a subject which, one would think, could admit of no dispute

DISPUTE is usually applied to verbal contest; controversy may be in words or writing.

DISPUTE is between individuals; debate and discussion are applicable to public bodies.

2. The possibility of being controverted; as in the phrase, this is a fact, beyond all dispute