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

"I'm 30 years old and retirement has been a topic of contention for quite a few years," Proud told BBC Radio 5 Live.

From BBC

Mars’ claims around the band’s use of backing tracks were another point of contention and something Sixx has continued defending.

From Los Angeles Times

The rise in police shootings has been a regular point of contention for the police critics and social justice advocates who show up to speak at the commission’s weekly meetings.

From Los Angeles Times

My contention is that part of the reason is because of the way we frame the issue.

From Los Angeles Times

However, he picked up three birdies in his next four holes - sinking long putts on the second and fifth - to surge back into contention.

From BBC

Related Words

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