contention

[kuhn-ten-shuhn]

noun

1. a struggling together in opposition; strife.

   Synonyms: combat, conflict

2. a striving in rivalry; competition; contest.

3. strife in debate; dispute; controversy.

   Synonyms: altercation, debate, dissension, disagreement
   Antonyms: agreement

4. a point contended for or affirmed in controversy.

contention

/ kənˈtɛnʃən /

noun

1. a struggling between opponents; competition

2. dispute in an argument (esp in the phrase bone of contention )

3. a point asserted in argument

Other Word Forms

• contentional adjective
• noncontention noun
• precontention noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of contention¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin contentiōn-, stem of contentiō; from content(us) “competed, striven” (past participle of contendere “to compete, strive, draw tight”; contend ) + -iō -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of contention¹

C14: from Latin contentiō exertion, from contendere to _contend

Idioms and Phrases

see bone of contention.

Example Sentences

Yet the Rockies, who were eliminated from playoff contention long ago, just may factor in who wins the National League West.

From Los Angeles Times

Root maintained his effortless rhythm and England hauled themselves into contention.

From BBC

Antony is so far out of contention at United that there will surely be further negotiations, while others in the so-called 'Bomb Squad' must resolve their futures.

From BBC

One of the key contentions of the industry is that the law does not distinguish between "games of skill" - which involve decision-making, talent and knowledge - and "games of chance", which rely purely on luck.

From BBC

Muddied by inconsistency, Johnston remains in contention for targets, though what was once a guaranteed share is far from secure.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• allegation 
• assertion 
• belief 
• claim 
• discussion 
• explanation 
• hypothesis 
• idea 
• opinion 
• plea 
• position 
• thesis