In the following English vocabulary question, choose the one-word substitute for the expression “angry or bitter disagreement over fundamental issues”.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your knowledge of precise vocabulary for describing relationships and conflicts. The phrase given is “angry or bitter disagreement over fundamental issues”. In competitive exams, understanding such subtle differences between words like “amity”, “accord”, and “strife” is crucial for scoring well in English sections, especially in one-word substitution questions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The phrase to be replaced: “angry or bitter disagreement over fundamental issues”.
• We are dealing with relationships between people, groups, or nations.
• Only one option should accurately convey the sense of conflict and bitterness.
• Other options are related to harmony or positive relationships.

Concept / Approach:
The key ideas are “angry”, “bitter”, and “disagreement”. These signal hostility and conflict. The noun “strife” in English refers specifically to angry or violent disagreement, especially over serious or fundamental matters. In contrast, words like “accord”, “amity”, “affinity”, and “harmony” generally express agreement, friendship, or a pleasant relationship. Therefore, the strategy is to pick the word whose meaning is closest to intense conflict and to reject words that suggest peace or friendliness.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the emotional tone of the phrase: it is clearly negative and tense. Step 2: Recall the meaning of “strife” as serious conflict or struggle, often prolonged and bitter. Step 3: Check “amity”, which means friendship or peaceful relations, the opposite of conflict. Step 4: Consider “accord”, which denotes agreement or harmony between groups. Step 5: Reject “affinity” and “harmony” because they refer to natural liking or peaceful coordination, not disagreement. Step 6: Conclude that “strife” is the only option matching “angry or bitter disagreement over fundamental issues”.

Verification / Alternative check:
Use each word in a sample sentence. “There was strife between the two communities over religious issues” fits well and clearly shows bitter disagreement. However, “amity between the two communities” or “accord between the two communities” indicate peace and understanding, which is the opposite meaning. This real-life usage check confirms that “strife” is the right substitution.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Affinity” means a natural liking or attraction towards someone or something, not conflict.
“Amity” refers to friendship or peaceful relations, which is the reverse of angry disagreement.
“Accord” denotes agreement, harmony, or treaty between parties, again opposite in meaning to conflict.
“Harmony” suggests balance and pleasant coordination, not bitterness or disagreement.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse such words because they are often seen together in reading passages about international relations or social issues. A common mistake is to choose a familiar word without carefully thinking about whether it indicates agreement or conflict. To avoid this, always pay close attention to negative and positive tones in the phrase and in the options. Practice grouping words into positive, negative, and neutral categories to strengthen your vocabulary sense.

Final Answer:
The correct one-word substitute is “strife”.