Contention
/kənˈtenʃən/
Definitions
2 meaningsA state of disagreement, dispute, or argument; striving or competition.
/kənˈtenʃən/
A heated disagreement; a struggle for something.
The main point of contention between the two parties was taxation.
💡 Simply: Imagine a big argument where everyone wants to win. Contention is the feeling of disagreement and fighting over something, like arguing about the last slice of pizza.
👶 For kids: When people are arguing and don't agree on something, that's contention!
More Examples
The historical evidence surrounding this event is a matter of contention among scholars.
The meeting dissolved into heated contention over the project's direction.
How It's Used
"There was much contention over the proposed budget cuts."
"The lawyers presented their contentions to the jury."
"The debate was filled with heated contention."
A point or statement maintained or submitted in an argument.
/kənˈtenʃən/
A claim or assertion.
His contention, though controversial, was supported by data.
💡 Simply: When you have a strong belief or a point you want to make in a discussion, that's a contention. It's like saying, 'I believe this is true!'
👶 For kids: Something you say you believe in, like 'I contend that pizza is the best food!'
More Examples
The lawyer presented her client's contention to the court.
Her main contention was that the evidence was circumstantial.
How It's Used
"The defendant's contention was that they were not present at the scene."
"The author’s primary contention is that the theory is flawed."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
point of contention
A subject of disagreement or argument.
"The cost of the project became a major point of contention."
From Middle English, from Old French contention, from Latin contentio ('a stretching, straining, struggle, dispute'), from contendere ('to strive, struggle').
Used in historical documents and debates to describe disagreements and legal arguments, dating back centuries.
Memory tip
Think of a *con*test with *tension*—that's contention!