contentious

American  

[kuhn-ten-shuhs] / kənˈtɛn ʃəs /

adjective

1. tending to argument or strife; quarrelsome.

   a contentious crew.

   Synonyms:

   argumentative, disputatious

2. causing, involving, or characterized by argument or controversy.

   contentious issues.

3. Law. pertaining to causes between contending or opposing parties.

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contentious British  

/ kənˈtɛnʃəs /

adjective

1. tending to argue or quarrel

2. causing or characterized by dispute; controversial

3. law relating to a cause or legal business that is contested, esp a probate matter

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Other Word Forms

• contentiously adverb
• contentiousness noun
• noncontentious adjective
• noncontentiously adverb
• overcontentious adjective
• overcontentiously adverb
• overcontentiousness noun
• uncontentious adjective
• uncontentiously adverb
• uncontentiousness noun

Etymology

Origin of contentious

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English contenciose, from Latin contentiōsus, from contenti(ō) contention + -ōsus -ous

Example Sentences

“It’s not contentious at the moment. Katy is, of course, upset but is relieved to not have to go through another divorce, as that was the worst time in her life.”

From MarketWatch

Maier was following a contentious bronze medal finish four years ago in Beijing.

From BBC

The discussion around tips remains contentious, and California lawmakers have struggled with how to handle the imperfect solution of service fees.

From Los Angeles Times

Supporters of the contentious effort began gathering voter signatures to place the measure on the November ballot earlier this year.

From Los Angeles Times

Rules of Origin - which require exporters to prove that goods are substantially manufactured or value-added in India rather than merely assembled - remain particularly contentious.

From BBC

Related Words

• antagonistic
• combative
• testy