Conflicts and Misunderstandings

80 words and phrases for difficult conversations and resolving misunderstandings.

Study materials

WordTranslationTranscription
misunderstandingA situation where people understand something differently./ˌmɪsʌndərˈstændɪŋ/
problemA difficulty that needs attention or a solution./ˈprɑːbləm/
mistakeSomething done or understood incorrectly./mɪˈsteɪk/
disagreementA situation where people have different opinions./ˌdɪsəˈɡriːmənt/
upsetUnhappy or worried because of something unpleasant./ʌpˈset/
angryFeeling strong displeasure about a situation./ˈæŋɡri/
sorryFeeling regret about something that happened./ˈsɑːri/
apologiseTo express regret for something you did./əˈpɑːlədʒaɪz/
explainTo make an idea or situation easier to understand./ɪkˈspleɪn/
listenTo pay careful attention to another person's words./ˈlɪsən/
calmNot showing strong anger, fear, or excitement./kɑːm/
fairTreating people reasonably and without favouritism./fer/
unfairNot treating people equally or reasonably./ˌʌnˈfer/
agreeTo share the same opinion or accept a proposal./əˈɡriː/
disagreeTo have a different opinion from someone./ˌdɪsəˈɡriː/
interruptTo speak before another person has finished./ˌɪntəˈrʌpt/
blameTo say that someone is responsible for a problem./bleɪm/
Let's talkA suggestion to discuss a problem directly.
I didn't mean thatA phrase correcting how your words were understood.
I understandA phrase showing that you recognise another person's message.
Could you explainA polite request for clearer information.
What happenedA neutral question asking about an event or problem.
That's not what I meantA phrase clarifying that someone interpreted your words incorrectly.
I'm sorryA direct phrase expressing regret or sympathy.
You're rightA phrase accepting that another person's point is correct.
I need a momentA phrase requesting a brief pause before continuing.
Can we start againA request to restart a conversation more constructively.
find a solutionTo identify a practical way to resolve a problem.
compromiseAn agreement where each side accepts some changes./ˈkɑːmprəmaɪz/
forgiveTo stop feeling anger about someone's mistake./fərˈɡɪv/
move onTo leave a resolved issue behind and continue.
thank you for listeningA phrase appreciating another person's attention and patience.