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Contending Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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contending

[kษ™nหˆtษ›ndษชล‹ ]

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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'contending'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'contend' comes from the Latin word 'contendere', which means 'to strive, struggle, or fight'. The term has been used in English since the 15th century, originally with the sense of physical combat. Over time, it has evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings related to competition, argumentation, and assertion.

See also: contend, contender, contenders, uncontended.

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.