PhrasesHub

Agree to disagree

    Definitions

      • Accepting and respecting differing opinions or points of view
        To acknowledge that two or more parties have different opinions or beliefs and to agree to not try and change each other's mind, but rather to peacefully coexist with those differences

      • Ending a heated or contentious argument or debate
        To acknowledge that there will not be a resolution or consensus on a particular topic, and to agree to end the discussion in order to maintain a civil and respectful relationship

    Examples of Agree to disagree

    • John and Sarah have been arguing about politics for hours. Despite their differing opinions, they both agree to disagree and move on to another topic.

      This idiom is used when two people have opposing views on a subject, but rather than continuing to argue, they choose to accept and respect each other's opinions and come to a peaceful resolution. It's a way of acknowledging that there's no point in forcing someone to change their mind, and that it's better to simply agree to disagree and move forward.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "agree to disagree" is commonly used to acknowledge and accept differences in opinions or beliefs. It can be used to encourage tolerance and understanding between individuals with conflicting viewpoints or to peacefully end a heated argument or debate.

    Origin of "Agree to disagree"

    The phrase "agree to disagree" is believed to have originated in the 18th century, but its exact origins are unclear. It is often attributed to the English writer and politician Joseph Addison, who used a similar phrase in an essay published in 1711: "The best way to end a dispute is to agree to disagree."

    However, the phrase gained widespread popularity in the 1800s and is often associated with the Quakers, a religious group known for their peaceful and tolerant nature. This may be due to the fact that the Quakers were known for their use of consensus decision-making, where everyone's opinion is valued and differences are respected.

    Regardless of its exact origin, the idiom "agree to disagree" has become a commonly used expression in English and is often used in both personal and professional contexts to promote understanding and maintain harmony in relationships.