Contending
/kənˈtɛndɪŋ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo struggle against difficulties or to compete with others.
/kənˈtɛndɪŋ/
To struggle to surmount a difficulty.
The two teams are contending for the championship.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're in a race or a game. Contending means you're trying your best to win, even if it's hard. Like, 'The team was contending for the championship!'
👶 For kids: Trying really hard to win or be the best, like a race or a game.
More Examples
The lawyer contended that the evidence was inadmissible.
The country is contending with an economic crisis.
How It's Used
"The athletes were contending for the gold medal."
"The lawyers were contending over the terms of the contract."
To assert something as a claim in an argument or discussion.
/kənˈtɛndɪŋ/
To assert something as a position in an argument.
He contended that the research was inaccurate.
💡 Simply: When you're contending, you're saying something is true, even if other people don't agree. Like, 'I contend that pizza is the best food!'
👶 For kids: Saying that you think something is true and trying to make other people believe it too.
More Examples
She was contending for a higher salary.
The lawyer contended that the evidence was circumstantial.
How It's Used
"The author contended that the theory was flawed."
"The speaker contended that their policy was the best solution."
Idioms & expressions
contending party
A party actively involved in a dispute or competition.
"The contending party presented new evidence to the court."
From Middle English *contenden*, from Old French *contendre* (to strive, compete), from Latin *contendere* (to stretch, strain, contend), from *con-* (with, together) + *tendere* (to stretch).
Historically, the word was frequently used in legal and military contexts, describing battles and disputes.
Memory tip
Think of 'contending' like a contest where you're trying to overcome something.
Word Origin
"to stretch, strain, contend"