1. Disagreement or Opposition: This is the most common meaning, referring to a clash of ideas, interests, or opinions. It implies tension, disagreement, and potentially hostile interactions.
* Example: "The conflict between the two political parties on the issue of healthcare reform led to a stalemate in Congress."
2. Struggle or Challenge: This meaning refers to a struggle against an obstacle, a threat, or an opposing force. It implies a battle, a difficult situation, or a need for effort to overcome a challenge.
* Example: "The protagonist faced a conflict with his own inner demons as he grappled with the consequences of his actions."
3. Literary Term: In literary analysis, "conflict" refers to the central struggle or problem that drives the plot of a story. There are different types of conflict, including:
* Internal Conflict: A conflict within a character's own mind, such as a struggle with guilt, fear, or indecision.
* External Conflict: A conflict between a character and an outside force, such as another person, nature, or society.
4. Conflict of Interest: This refers to a situation where an individual or organization has competing interests that could potentially lead to bias or unfairness.
* Example: "The journalist's conflict of interest in the story, as his brother was a key figure in the investigation, raised ethical concerns."
5. In Law: "Conflict" can refer to a legal dispute or a disagreement between parties.
* Example: "The parties involved in the conflict reached a settlement out of court."
Important Note: When using "conflict" in formal writing, it's crucial to be clear about the specific meaning you intend. Using the word in a general sense without providing context can lead to ambiguity.
Examples of alternative phrases to consider:
* Instead of: "The conflict between the two groups was intense."
* Try: "The disagreement between the two groups was intense."
* Instead of: "He faced a conflict with his boss."
* Try: "He had a disagreement with his boss."
* Instead of: "She had a conflict of interest in the project."
* Try: "She had a potential bias due to her involvement in the project."