Definition

Verb: 1. To cause physical discomfort or illness when consumed or experienced: This sense means that something, typically a type of food or drink, does not suit a person's constitution and causes a negative physical reaction such as indigestion, pain, or sickness. 2. To hold or express a different opinion from someone; to not be in accord (a less common but valid usage in the context of ideas or statements conflicting): This sense means that an idea, statement, or belief is not compatible with or is contrary to another.

Usage and Examples

• Primary Meaning (Physical Reaction):
  • Dairy products disagree with me, so I avoid them.
  • The humid climate seems to disagree with her health.
• Secondary Meaning (Differing Opinion):
  • His account of the event disagrees with the official report. (Here, the two accounts are not in accord.)
  • The data from the new study disagrees with our initial hypothesis.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used in a general sense to indicate a negative physical or psychological effect.
  • The constant noise and chaos of the city disagrees with him; he needs peace and quiet.
• It can be used in a more figurative sense for non-physical incompatibility.
  • A minimalist aesthetic disagrees with her love for ornate decoration.

Variants and Related Words

• Disagree (verb): To have or express a different opinion.
  • We disagree on politics.
• Disagreement (noun): A lack of consensus or approval; a difference of opinion.
  • There is some disagreement about the best method.

Synonyms

• Upset: To cause distress or physical discomfort to (a stomach, system).
• Sicken: To make ill.
• Clash with: To conflict or be incompatible with.
• Contradict: To be in conflict with.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Idioms

• Not agree with: A more common and direct synonym for the primary meaning.
  • Fried food doesn't agree with my stomach.
• Sit ill/well with: To be acceptable or unacceptable to someone.
  • His arrogant attitude sits ill with the team. (This relates to the figurative sense of psychological incompatibility.)

Verb

1. not be very easily digestible
   • Spicy food disagrees with some people