manner of speaking; way of putting things
Refers to a person's style, tone, or choice of words when speaking; often used when judging whether someone sounds gentle, blunt, polite, harsh, etc.
His way of speaking is a little harsh.
Her calm manner of speaking put me at ease.
verbal argument; quarrel
A dispute conducted in words; less common and somewhat more old-fashioned or literary than 口論 or 言い争い.
I got into an argument with my neighbor over a trivial matter.
objection; protest of a decision
Often used in the fixed expression 物言いがつく, especially when sumo judges object to or review a referee's decision.
An objection was raised to the call at the edge of the sumo ring.
Rare use meaning gossip or rumor; modern Japanese usually uses うわさ instead.
In older writing, 物言い can mean rumors among people.
He's a person with a cold way of speaking.
An objection was raised against the referee's decision.
The sumo wrestler protested the decision.