Contending: meaning, definitions and examples

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contending

 

[kənˈtɛndɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

struggling for supremacy

Competing, vying, or fighting for a particular goal or prize. It often involves a strong effort or opposition from multiple parties.

Synonyms

competing, fighting, vying.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
contending

Similar to 'contending', it is used in formal situations but can also imply mild disagreement or debate.

  • The two scientists are contending over their theories.
  • They are contending for the best spot in the market.
competing

Best used for describing a situation in which two or more parties are attempting to win something, often in a friendly or professional setting.

  • She is competing in the local marathon.
  • Several companies are competing for the contract.
vying

Appropriate for situations where two or more parties are trying to get attention, support, or a particular position, often in a more competitive but less aggressive way.

  • The classmates were vying for the teacher's approval.
  • Many startups are vying for investor funding.
fighting

Used in situations involving physical conflict or strong disagreement. It can have a negative connotation.

  • The soldiers are fighting on the battlefield.
  • They were fighting over a minor issue.

Examples of usage

  • He was contending for the championship title.
  • The two teams are contending for the top spot in the league.
  • She contended fiercely for the promotion at work.
Context #2 | Verb

asserting or maintaining a position

Arguing or stating a claim in a debate or discussion. It can involve defending a viewpoint or position against opposition.

Synonyms

arguing, asserting, maintaining.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
contending

Use this word when someone is competing or struggling in a conflict or competition. It can also mean asserting a position in an argument.

  • Two teams are contending for the championship title.
  • The lawyer is contending that his client is innocent.
arguing

This word is usually used when two or more people are disagreeing or having a dispute, often in a verbal way.

  • They were arguing about who should do the dishes.
  • She spent hours arguing with him over politics.
asserting

Use this word when someone is stating something confidently and forcefully.

  • He is asserting his right to speak.
  • She kept asserting that she was telling the truth.
maintaining

This word is used when someone is keeping a state or condition, or continuing to assert a belief or opinion over time.

  • He is maintaining the garden himself.
  • Despite the criticism, she is maintaining her position.

Examples of usage

  • He contended that his theory was the most plausible.
  • The author contended that the book was a work of fiction, not a memoir.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originates from the Latin 'contendere', which means 'to strive' or 'to stretch out'.
  • It entered the English language in the late 14th century, initially used in the context of arguing or struggling.
  • The prefix 'con-' means 'together' and 'tendere' means 'to stretch', emphasizing the idea of striving together against something.

Sports

  • In competitive sports, teams or individuals often engage in contending for championships, showcasing their skills.
  • Contending is common in tournaments, where athletes aim to outperform others for titles or titles.
  • Sports analyses often highlight the most contending teams or players as those likely to succeed based on performance stats.

Psychology

  • Contending can relate to cognitive dissonance, where people argue their beliefs against opposing views to establish their stance.
  • Psychologists suggest that engaging in contention can enhance critical thinking by challenging ideas and fostering debate.
  • Research shows that healthy contention in discussions leads to greater understanding and collaborative problem-solving.

Literature

  • In literature, characters often face internal and external conflicts, compelling them to contend with their situations.
  • Many classic novels focus on the theme of contention, where protagonists strive to achieve their goals against great odds.
  • Contending characters often symbolize larger societal struggles and dilemmas, reflecting real-life challenges.

Culture

  • In many cultures, rituals or contests symbolize the act of contending, whether in sports, politics, or social debates.
  • Festivals often host competitions where participants contend for honors, prizes, or recognition, entwining community and rivalry.
  • Media frequently showcases high-stakes contention, from political debates to talent shows, engaging audiences in the struggle for excellence.

Translations

Translations of the word "contending" in other languages:

🇵🇹 competindo

🇮🇳 प्रतिस्पर्धा करना

🇩🇪 kämpfend

🇮🇩 bersaing

🇺🇦 змагаючись

🇵🇱 rywalizujący

🇯🇵 競っている

🇫🇷 concourant

🇪🇸 compitiendo

🇹🇷 rekabet eden

🇰🇷 경쟁하는

🇸🇦 يتنافس

🇨🇿 soutěžící

🇸🇰 súťažiaci

🇨🇳 竞争的

🇸🇮 tekmovalni

🇮🇸 keppandi

🇰🇿 бәсекелесіп жатқан

🇬🇪 მოწინააღმდეგე

🇦🇿 rəqabət aparan

🇲🇽 compitiendo

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,816, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.