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Clash: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：strongly disagree or argue (clash)

clash 🔊

/klæʃ/

When people strongly disagree or argue about something because they have different opinions, interests, or personalities.

Clash meaning illustrated: two people in a heated argument in a modern office meeting.

strongly disagree or argue 🔊

➕

/ˈstrɒŋli dɪsəˈɡriː ɔːr ˈɑːɡjuː/

To engage in a heated argument or conflict due to opposing views, interests, or personalities.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Imitative word, mimicking the sound of metal objects hitting each other.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a CLASH of cymbals making a loud sound.

📖 Example

My best friend and I clashed over our vacation plans-she wanted a relaxing beach holiday, while I was eager for a hiking adventure. 🔊 My best friend and I had a heated argument over our vacation plans; she preferred a beach holiday, while I wanted a hiking adventure.

🔗 Collocations

clash with – to have a conflict with someone

clash over – to argue about a specific issue

personality clash – a conflict due to incompatible personalities

🔄 Synonyms

argue (v.) – to exchange opposing views angrily

conflict (v.) – to be in opposition or disagreement

dispute (v.) – to argue about something

🚫 Antonyms

agree (v.) – to have the same opinion

harmonize (v.) – to be in agreement or accord

🌱 Derivatives

clashing (adj.) – in conflict or disagreement

clash (n.) – a violent confrontation or argument

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Middle English 'clashen', an onomatopoeic term imitating the sharp sound of collision. Commonly used in modern contexts like sports clashes or cultural conflicts.

Meaning 2：collide with a loud sound (clash)

clash 🔊

/klæʃ/

When two hard objects (especially metal) hit each other and make a loud, sharp, and unpleasant sound.

Clash definition: two metal pots colliding with a loud bang in a dynamic close-up.

collide with a loud sound 🔊

➕

/kəˈlaɪd wɪð ə laʊd saʊnd/

To hit together forcefully, producing a sharp, metallic noise, especially from hard objects like metal.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

In the busy kitchen, the cook accidentally let two metal pans clash together, creating a sudden, ringing noise that made everyone look up. 🔊 In the busy kitchen, the cook accidentally caused two metal pans to collide loudly, making a sudden ringing noise that caught everyone's attention.

🔗 Collocations

clash together – to hit each other and make noise

metal clash – the sound of metal objects colliding

clash of swords – the sound of swords hitting in battle

🔄 Synonyms

collide (v.) – to strike together violently

bang (v.) – to make a loud noise by hitting

clang (v.) – to make a loud, resonant metallic sound

🚫 Antonyms

separate (v.) – to move or be moved apart

silence (v.) – to make quiet or no sound

🌱 Derivatives

clashing (adj.) – making a loud, harsh sound