Contending: meaning, definitions and examples
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contending
[kənˈtɛndɪŋ ]
Definitions
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
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
contending |
Similar to 'contending', it is used in formal situations but can also imply mild disagreement or debate.
|
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.
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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.
|
fighting |
Used in situations involving physical conflict or strong disagreement. It can have a negative connotation.
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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.
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?
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.
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arguing |
This word is usually used when two or more people are disagreeing or having a dispute, often in a verbal way.
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asserting |
Use this word when someone is stating something confidently and forcefully.
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maintaining |
This word is used when someone is keeping a state or condition, or continuing to assert a belief or opinion over time.
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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.
- ...
- 10813 annular
- 10814 dreaded
- 10815 conglomerate
- 10816 contending
- 10817 upland
- 10818 technician
- 10819 firearms
- ...