Cool MateArgue vs Contend
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Argue
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Contend
FormalTop 3,000 (common)C1verb
Most formal: ContendMost common: Argue
| Argue | Contend | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈɑːɡjuː/","/ˈɑːɡjuːz/","/ˈɑːɡjuːd/","/ˈɑːɡjuːɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈɑːrɡjuː/","/ˈɑːrɡjuːz/","/ˈɑːrɡjuːd/","/ˈɑːrɡjuːɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/kənˈtend/","/kənˈtendz/","/kənˈtendɪd/","/kənˈtendɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kənˈtend/","/kənˈtendz/","/kənˈtendɪd/","/kənˈtendɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To express different opinions or disagree with someone. | to compete or argue for something |
| Example | They often argue about where to go on vacation. | I would contend that the minister's thinking is flawed on this point. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | bitterly, fiercely, furiously, about, over, with, forcefully, passionately, strenuously, wish to, be prepared to, attempt to, against, for, in favour/favor of | contend that, contend for, contend with, contend against, strongly contend |
| Antonyms | agree, reconcile | yield, accept, relinquish |
| Common mistakes | Mixing up 'argue' with 'discuss', which has a more neutral connotation., Using 'argue' without specifying the person or topic., Confusing 'argue' with 'arguably', which is used to present a point. | Confused with 'content' in writing contexts., Using 'contend' without an object (e.g., 'I contend' should be followed by a statement)., Incorrectly using 'contend' as a synonym for 'understand'. |
| Usage notes | Used in both serious and casual conversations. Avoid in formal writing. Common in discussions, debates, or when conflicts arise. | Use 'contend' largely in formal settings, such as academic writing or debates. Avoid using it in casual conversation, where simpler words like 'argue' might be more appropriate. |
Frequently asked questions: Argue vs Contend
What's the difference between Argue and Contend?
Argue: To express different opinions or disagree with someone. Contend: to compete or argue for something
Which is more formal: Argue and Contend?
Contend is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Argue and Contend?
Argue is the most common in everyday English.
Are Argue and Contend the same CEFR level?
Argue: A2, Contend: C1 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Argue and Contend interchangeably?
Not always. Argue and Contend are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.