contentious
[kuh n-ten-shuh s]
- tending to argument or strife; quarrelsome: a contentious crew.
- causing, involving, or characterized by argument or controversy: contentious issues.
- Law. pertaining to causes between contending or opposing parties.
Show More
Origin of contentious
1400–50; late Middle English contenciose < Latin contentiōsus, equivalent to contenti(ō) contention + -ōsus -ous
Synonyms
See more synonyms for contentious on Thesaurus.com1. disputatious, argumentative.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for contentious
Contemporary Examples
A new study released today in Obstetrics & Gynecology could close this contentious question for good.
Arkansas has long had a contentious relationship with alcohol.
It became a model, rarely emulated, of how digital tools can be used to find common ground in a contentious society.
Those that are hesitant about Powell may point to her contentious “resignation” as the first female ambassador to India in March.
The priests conclude that there is common ground on even the most contentious topics that pit science versus spirituality.
Pope Francis Asked ‘Would You Baptize an Alien?’ Here’s the Answer.Barbie Latza Nadeau
September 26, 2014
Historical Examples
Suppose we call it the contentious or ambitious—would the term be suitable?
The RepublicPlato
There is nothing to indicate that he was contentious by nature.
Hymns and Hymnwriters of DenmarkJens Christian Aaberg
Of the contentious scribes He asked: "What question ye with them?"
Jesus the ChristJames Edward Talmage
Let them beware of the first approach of a contentious spirit.
The Young MaidenA. B. (Artemas Bowers) Muzzey
Then, he was trying not to be too contentious, but was irritated into retorting.
The Trail of the HawkSinclair Lewis
contentious
- tending to argue or quarrel
- causing or characterized by dispute; controversial
- law relating to a cause or legal business that is contested, esp a probate matter
Show More
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for contentious
adj.
c.1500, from Middle French contentieux, from Latin contentiosus "obstinate, quarrelsome," from contentionem (see contend). Related: Contentiously; contentiousness.
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper