contention
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
A heated disagreement or argument; a point advanced in an argument.
A state of competition or rivalry; a claim or assertion that is disputed.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in formal, academic, legal, and political contexts. Can refer to both the abstract state of arguing and a specific point being argued.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Slightly more common in British legal and parliamentary contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, implies a serious, often public, dispute.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be in contention for (something)be a point of contention between (parties)It is my contention that...Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bone of contention”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The budget allocation became a major contention between the marketing and R&D departments.
Academic
The researcher's central contention is that social factors outweigh genetic predispositions.
Everyday
Their main point of contention was where to go on holiday.
Technical
The legal contention centred on the interpretation of the contract's force majeure clause.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The teams are contending for the championship title.
- I must contend that your evidence is flawed.
American English
- Several firms are contending for the government contract.
- The lawyer contended that the search was unlawful.
adverb
British English
- The proposal was contentiously debated for hours.
- He argued contentiously against the new policy.
American English
- The issue was contentiously discussed in the committee.
- She spoke contentiously during the meeting.
adjective
British English
- The contentious issue of Brexit dominated the news.
- He made a highly contentious claim about the data.
American English
- The contentious debate over healthcare reform continues.
- Her contentious remarks sparked immediate backlash.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The new rule caused a lot of contention in the office.
- Their contention was about who should pay the bill.
- The main contention between the two historians concerns the cause of the war.
- It is my contention that the policy will do more harm than good.
- The arbitrator's role is to settle points of contention between the union and management.
- Her central contention, that economic stability precedes social reform, was vigorously challenged.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CONTEST' + 'TENSION' = CONTENTION. A contest that creates tension is a heated argument.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARGUMENT IS WAR (e.g., 'battle of ideas', 'defend a point', 'win an argument').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'содержание' (content).
- Do not translate as 'контенция' (non-existent).
- Closer to 'спор', 'разногласие', 'утверждение' (in argument).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'contention' for a mild discussion (too strong).
- Confusing with 'content' (noun or adjective).
- Misspelling as 'contension'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'contention' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally negative or neutral, as it describes conflict or dispute, but can be neutral when simply stating a debatable point.
No, 'contention' is only a noun. The related verb is 'contend'.
'Contention' is more formal and often implies a sustained, serious dispute or a specific point within a dispute. 'Argument' is more general and common.
It is an idiom meaning a subject or issue over which there is ongoing disagreement.