begging to differ
Respectfully challenging agreement
Begging to differ is a polite way of announcing disagreement: I beg to differ, but the evidence suggests otherwise.
The phrase softens contradiction with formal courtesy, though it can carry an edge of sarcasm when the disagreement isn't minor at all.
Often shortened to beg to differ.
- with all due respectPolite disclaimer before disagreeing
- contradictDispute a statement
- tactfulSocially sensitive and careful
- disagreeHold a contrary opinion
- argumentReasoned case or dispute
take issue · respectfully disagree · point of contention · rebut · devil's advocate · dissent · oppose · diplomatic · dialogue · civil discourse · conciliatory · measured · object · refute · demur · contention · counter · assertive
begging to differconcurring
Expressing shared agreement
seeing eye to eye · seconding · nodding along · assenting · echoing
begging to differlaying down the law
Firmly stating rules
telling it like it is · dismissing · shutting down · having none of it
begged, beggar, beggars, beggary, differ, differs, differed, differing, difference