Areas of disagreement
Argumentation and critical discussion expression
Use this to professionally pinpoint specific conflicts without making the entire conversation feel like an attack.
15초 만에
- Specific points where people hold different opinions or beliefs.
- A professional way to categorize and manage a conflict.
- Used to move from emotional arguing to logical problem-solving.
뜻
This phrase refers to the specific topics or points where two people or groups don't agree with each other. It helps you zoom in on exactly what the fight or debate is about instead of just saying 'we disagree.'
주요 예문
3 / 6In a corporate board meeting
Before we vote, let's clearly define the areas of disagreement regarding the merger.
Before we vote, let's clearly define the areas of disagreement regarding the merger.
Discussing wedding plans with a partner
We agree on the guest list, but the venue remains one of our main areas of disagreement.
We agree on the guest list, but the venue remains one of our main areas of disagreement.
Texting a friend about dinner plans
I think our only areas of disagreement are the price and the neighborhood.
I think our only areas of disagreement are the price and the neighborhood.
문화적 배경
This expression is rooted in the Western 'principled negotiation' framework, popularized by the Harvard Negotiation Project. It reflects a cultural value of separating the people from the problem to maintain professional relationships. It is a linguistic tool used to depersonalize conflict and foster a collaborative environment.
The 'Sandwich' Technique
In English, we often mention 'areas of agreement' first before bringing up 'areas of disagreement' to keep the mood positive.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this in every small argument, you might sound like you're reading from a HR manual. Use it for significant topics only.
15초 만에
- Specific points where people hold different opinions or beliefs.
- A professional way to categorize and manage a conflict.
- Used to move from emotional arguing to logical problem-solving.
What It Means
Think of a map where most roads are clear, but a few have roadblocks. Those roadblocks are your areas of disagreement. It is a way to identify the exact spots where opinions clash. It turns a messy argument into a organized list of points. You aren't saying the whole relationship is bad. You are just pointing at specific topics.
How To Use It
You usually use this to lead into a list. Use it with verbs like identify, highlight, or address. For example, 'We need to look at our areas of disagreement regarding the budget.' It sounds very professional and calm. It takes the heat out of a fight. It makes you sound like a mediator or a very mature adult. Use it when you want to be precise.
When To Use It
Use it in a business meeting when things get tense. It works great when planning a trip with a picky friend. Use it during a performance review at work. It is perfect for academic essays or legal discussions. Even in a relationship, it helps stop a 'shouting match.' It shifts the focus from 'you are wrong' to 'this topic is the problem.'
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this during a heated, emotional breakup at 2 AM. It will sound way too cold and robotic. Avoid it when someone is just venting their feelings to you. If your friend is crying about a bad day, don't say 'Let's list our areas of disagreement.' You will look like a robot. Also, don't use it for tiny, silly things like choosing a pizza topping.
Cultural Background
Western culture, especially in business, loves 'conflict resolution.' We like to break big problems into small, manageable pieces. This phrase comes from that mindset. It reflects a desire to be objective and fair. It suggests that disagreement is natural and can be managed. It’s very common in 'Harvard-style' negotiation tactics.
Common Variations
You might hear people say points of contention or bones of contention. Some people say sticking points when they are being more casual. In a very formal setting, you might hear divergent views. But areas of disagreement is the 'Goldilocks' version. It is just right for almost any serious conversation.
사용 참고사항
This phrase sits firmly in the 'formal' to 'neutral' register. It is a 'safe' phrase for non-native speakers because it is never offensive and always makes you sound articulate and composed.
The 'Sandwich' Technique
In English, we often mention 'areas of agreement' first before bringing up 'areas of disagreement' to keep the mood positive.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this in every small argument, you might sound like you're reading from a HR manual. Use it for significant topics only.
Softening the Blow
Native speakers often add 'potential' or 'possible' before the phrase (e.g., 'potential areas of disagreement') to sound even more polite and less aggressive.
예시
6Before we vote, let's clearly define the areas of disagreement regarding the merger.
Before we vote, let's clearly define the areas of disagreement regarding the merger.
Used to structure a formal debate before a final decision.
We agree on the guest list, but the venue remains one of our main areas of disagreement.
We agree on the guest list, but the venue remains one of our main areas of disagreement.
Helps keep a personal discussion from becoming an emotional argument.
I think our only areas of disagreement are the price and the neighborhood.
I think our only areas of disagreement are the price and the neighborhood.
Slightly formal for a text, but used here to be efficient.
My cat and I have several areas of disagreement, mostly involving 3 AM feedings.
My cat and I have several areas of disagreement, mostly involving 3 AM feedings.
Using a formal phrase for a silly situation creates humor.
I want to listen to your perspective on our areas of disagreement about your curfew.
I want to listen to your perspective on our areas of disagreement about your curfew.
Shows a willingness to negotiate while maintaining a serious tone.
The author fails to address the primary areas of disagreement within the scientific community.
The author fails to address the primary areas of disagreement within the scientific community.
Standard usage in high-level academic writing.
셀프 테스트
Choose the best verb to pair with the phrase in a professional setting.
To move forward, we must first ___ the areas of disagreement.
'Identify' is the most natural and professional verb to use when you want to find and list specific points of conflict.
Which preposition usually follows the phrase?
There are several areas of disagreement ___ the two political parties.
'Between' is used when comparing the views of two distinct groups or individuals.
🎉 점수: /2
시각 학습 자료
Formality Level of 'Areas of Disagreement'
Using 'We don't see eye to eye'
We just don't agree on this.
Standard daily conversation
We have some things we don't agree on.
Business or academic use
Let's outline the areas of disagreement.
Legal or diplomatic use
The parties have noted several areas of disagreement.
When to use 'Areas of Disagreement'
Salary Negotiation
Pinpointing the gap between offer and expectation.
Group Project
Deciding which software to use.
Legal Dispute
Listing contested facts in a case.
Relationship Talk
Discussing chores or future plans calmly.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문It is almost always plural because it implies there is more than one specific point of conflict. If there is only one, you might say the main area of disagreement.
Yes, it is perfect for talking to a boss. It makes you sound objective and professional rather than emotional or complaining.
An argument is the act of fighting or the logic used. Areas of disagreement are the specific topics that the argument is about.
It can be, but it's useful if you are trying to resolve a recurring problem. It signals that you want to have a serious, mature talk.
Common verbs include identify, list, address, resolve, and highlight. For example, We need to resolve our areas of disagreement.
Surprisingly, no. Because it is so structured, it often sounds more constructive than negative. It implies you want to find a solution.
Absolutely. It is a staple of C1 and C2 level academic writing to show you understand different perspectives.
You can say sticking points for a more idiomatic, slightly less formal version. For example, The price is the main sticking point.
Try saying, 'I think we agree on most things, but there are a few areas of disagreement we should talk about.'
Yes, you can use it for data or theories. For example, There are areas of disagreement between the two study results.
관련 표현
Points of contention
Very similar, but slightly more aggressive or formal.
Sticking points
The specific issues that are preventing an agreement from being reached.
Bone of contention
A single, specific issue that people have been arguing about for a long time.
Divergent views
A very formal way to say people see things differently.
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