contention

Pronunciation: kun-TEN-shun

noun

Difficulty: intermediate

Definition of contention

A heated disagreement or argument, often involving a clash of opposing views; also, a strong assertion or claim made in a debate or discussion.

Origin of contention

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: contentio

Original meaning: striving, stretching, contest

How it evolved: Initially referring to vigorous effort or competition, it later came to signify disputes and disagreements, reflecting the metaphorical 'stretching' of opposing ideas or arguments.

Derived from the Latin word 'contentio,' meaning a striving or contest, it originally referred to an act of stretching or competing, evolving to encompass disputes and arguments.

First known use: 14th century

How to Remember contention

Think of 'contention' as containing 'tension'—a state of conflict or disagreement often arises when tension exists.

Synonyms for contention

Antonyms of contention

contention in a Sentence

  1. The primary point of contention during the debate was the allocation of resources for public education.
  2. Her contention that technology is eroding human connection sparked a lively discussion among the panelists.
  3. The long-standing contention between the two factions led to a stalemate in negotiations.

contention in Literature & Culture

The word 'contention' often appears in legal and political contexts, such as court cases, political debates, and philosophical treatises, reflecting its importance in structured and formal arguments.

Usage Notes

‘Contention’ often carries a formal tone and is frequently used in legal, academic, or intellectual contexts. Be careful not to confuse it with 'content,' which has a very different meaning.

Why contention Matters for GRE & SAT

This word is commonly tested on the GRE as it relates to argumentation and reasoning—a key skill for both the verbal and analytical writing sections.

Word Family

contentious (adjective)
Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.
contend (verb)
To assert something as a position in an argument; to struggle or compete.
contentiously (adverb)
In a manner that is likely to provoke disagreement or argument.

Did You Know?

  • The word 'contention' was famously used by Shakespeare in his history plays to describe the fierce disputes over the English throne.
  • In the 17th century, 'contention' was also used in religious discourse to refer to theological debates and schisms.
  • The phrase 'bone of contention'—meaning the cause of a dispute—dates back to the 16th century and conjures the image of two dogs fighting over a bone.

More Vocabulary Words Starting with C

  • cacophonous — extremely noisy; grating
  • cacophonous — extremely noisy; grating
  • cajole — persuade through flattery or gentle urging
  • cajole — persuade through flattery or gentle urging
  • callous — emotionally unfeeling or insensitive
  • callous — emotionally unfeeling or insensitive
  • callow — young and inexperienced; immature
  • callow — young and inexperienced; immature
  • calumny — slander and defamation
  • calumny — slander and defamation