Words / B2

KLASH/klæʃ/

A clash is a short fight or a sharp disagreement: a clash between unions, a clash with police. Fight is everyday and can last longer; conflict is wider. Clash is also a mismatch: colours that clash, a clash of dates in the diary, a clash of personalities. The verb is the same (the marches clashed). In speech, a row or they don’t go together is enough. Do not use clash for a mild difference of taste unless you mean they really jar.

Meaning

A short fight or a strong disagreement; also a mismatch of colours, ideas, or times.

Examples

• “There was a clash between the two unions over pay.”
• “The two protests were routed so they would not clash in the square.”
• “A red tie clashed with the orange lanyard, which is the mismatch sense, not a fight.”

Good to know

A short fight / sharp disagreement; also a mismatch (colours, times, styles). Everyday: a row / they don’t go together. Verb: clash.

Near in meaning

conflict

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