Contesting

/kənˈtɛstɪŋ/

verbIntermediate📊CommonAction
2 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To challenge or dispute the truth or validity of something; to compete for something.

/kənˈtɛst/

verbneutralIntermediate
Action

To oppose or challenge as false or wrong.

The company is contesting the fine imposed by the government.

💡 Simply: Imagine you and your friend disagree about who's right. Contesting means you're arguing your side, trying to show they're wrong, or fighting for something, like a prize!

👶 For kids: Saying you don't agree or trying to win something!

More Examples

2

She decided to contest the results of the competition.

3

The lawyer is preparing to contest the evidence presented in court.

4

Several teams are contesting for the championship.

How It's Used

Legal

"The lawyer is contesting the will in court."

Politics

"Several candidates are contesting the election."

Sports

"The athlete is contesting for the title in the tournament."

2

To compete for; to vie for.

/kənˈtɛst/

verbneutralIntermediate
Action

To engage in a competition for something.

The athletes were contesting for the gold medal.

💡 Simply: Think of a race or competition! Contesting means you're trying to win, competing against others for the top spot or prize.

👶 For kids: Trying to win a game or a race.

More Examples

2

Several political parties are contesting the upcoming elections.

3

The chess grandmasters were intensely contesting for the championship title.

4

A group of entrepreneurs are contesting for investment funding.

How It's Used

Sports

"The two teams will be contesting the championship."

Politics

"Several parties are contesting the election."

Tip:Imagine a race: you're CONTESTING the other racers, striving to win.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

contest a decision

To dispute a decision

"The lawyer plans to contest the court's decision."

contest an election

To compete in an election.

"Several candidates are contesting the upcoming election."

From Middle English *contesten*, from Old French *contester* (“to dispute, challenge”), from Latin *contestārī* (“to call to witness, to dispute”), from *con-* (“with, together”) + *testārī* (“to bear witness”).

Historically, the word has been used both in legal and competitive contexts to denote challenge or dispute.

Memory tip

Think of a debate: you're CONTESTING the other person's arguments, fighting to prove your point.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to call to witness, to dispute"

contesting the electioncontesting the decisioncontesting the results

Common misspellings

contestting

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written