C1noun2K

Contention

UK /["/kənˈtenʃn/"]/US /["/kənˈtenʃn/"]/

Definition

anger between people who disagree

In simple words: A disagreement or argument about something.

Examples

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.

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

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

Synonyms

dispute

Antonyms

agreement
harmony
peace

Common mistakes

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'.