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

The extent of Israel's military withdrawal is a fourth point of contention.

From BBC

But he is in contention to be on the club’s postseason roster, likely as an option against right-handed hitters.

From Los Angeles Times

Shootings by police have also been a point of contention with Southers.

From Los Angeles Times

It is unclear how this would be administered, but if Israel is involved it is also likely to be a point of contention.

From BBC

At 66 years old, two-time World Series champion and three-time manager of the year Terry Francona came out of what appeared to be his managerial retirement to take another crack at contention with upstart Cincinnati.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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