C1noun 2K

Contention

🇬🇧 UK /["/kənˈtenʃn/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/kənˈtenʃn/"]/

Meaning of Contention

anger between people who disagree

In simple words: A disagreement or argument about something.

Contention in a sentence

• There was much contention between the two parties over the new policy.
• The main point of contention in the debate was the distribution of resources.
• Her contention that climate change is caused by human activity is supported by many scientists.
• His contention that the law should be changed sparked a lot of discussion.
• In the team sports contention, the two best teams will face off this weekend.
• The company's product won the contention among other competitors for market dominance.

How to use Contention

Used in serious discussions or debates. Avoid in casual conversations; instead, say 'argument' or 'disagreement'. More common in written English.

Grammar pattern

contention + (that) clause

Memory hint

Think of 'contention' like 'contested attention' in an argument.

Related words

Collocations with Contention

• play-off
• title
• contention between
• an area of contention
• a bone of contention
• a point of contention
• main
• support
• dispute
• reject

Synonyms for Contention

• dispute

Opposites of Contention

• agreement
• harmony
• peace

Common mistakes with Contention

• Confused with 'content' — they have different meanings.
• Using it in informal contexts where a simpler word is better.
• Mispronouncing it as 'con-tent-ion' instead of 'con-ten-tion'.

Frequently asked questions about Contention

What does Contention mean?

A disagreement or argument about something.

What is the definition of Contention?

anger between people who disagree

How do you use Contention in a sentence?

There was much contention between the two parties over the new policy.

Can you give another example of Contention?

The main point of contention in the debate was the distribution of resources.

What are synonyms for Contention?

Common alternatives include dispute.

What is the opposite of Contention?

Opposite meanings include agreement, harmony, peace.

What words go with Contention?

It commonly pairs with play-off, title, contention between, an area of contention, a bone of contention, a point of contention, main, support, dispute, reject.

What are common mistakes when using Contention?

Confused with 'content' — they have different meanings. Using it in informal contexts where a simpler word is better. Mispronouncing it as 'con-tent-ion' instead of 'con-ten-tion'.

How do you pronounce Contention?

US: /["/kənˈtenʃn/"]/, UK: /["/kənˈtenʃn/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Contention?

Used in serious discussions or debates. Avoid in casual conversations; instead, say 'argument' or 'disagreement'. More common in written English.

What CEFR level is Contention?

"Contention" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.