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Contentiousness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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contentiousness

[kənˈtɛnʃəsnəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in debates

The quality of being contentious; quarrelsomeness. Contentiousness often arises when people have strong opinions and are unwilling to compromise.

Synonyms

argumentative, disputatious, quarrelsomeness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
contentiousness

Best used to describe a general tendency to cause arguments or disputes. Often used in discussions about politics, legal matters, or any controversial topics.

  • The contentiousness of the new policy stirred up a lot of debate within the community.
  • Her contentiousness made her a challenging partner in the discussion.
quarrelsomeness

Describes a tendency to quarrel or fight, often over trivial matters. Usually has a negative connotation, suggesting unnecessary fighting.

  • The quarrelsomeness of the siblings caused constant strife in the household.
  • His quarrelsomeness often alienated his friends.
argumentative

Used to describe someone who frequently engages in arguments, often in a way that is seen as combative or confrontational. Can have a negative connotation.

  • He is often very argumentative, especially when he feels strongly about something.
  • Her argumentative nature can make meetings a bit exhausting.
disputatious

A more formal term, used to describe a person who likes to argue or dispute things. Often used in academic or legal contexts.

  • The disputatious scholars spent hours debating the finer points of the theory.
  • His disputatious attitude made him a formidable opponent in court.

Examples of usage

  • His contentiousness often led to arguments with his colleagues during meetings.
  • The contentiousness of the debate made it difficult to reach a consensus.
Context #2 | Noun

legal disputes

A contentious issue or matter is one that people disagree strongly about and argue over. It can also refer to legal disputes that are unresolved.

Synonyms

controversial, debated, disputed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
contentiousness

This word is used when describing a person or issue that tends to provoke arguments and disagreements. It often carries a slightly negative connotation.

  • Her contentiousness about every minor detail makes team meetings very long.
  • The meeting was marked by his contentiousness, as he seemed determined to argue at every opportunity.
disputed

This word describes facts, claims, or issues that are argued against or questioned. The context often involves a lack of agreement and can be slightly negative.

  • The results of the election were hotly disputed by the opposition.
  • Ownership of the land is still disputed between the two countries.
controversial

This word applies to topics or actions that generate strong, often polarized opinions and bad feelings. It can be neutral but often leans towards negative.

  • The controversial decision to cut funding for the arts led to widespread protests.
  • His controversial remarks about immigration have caused an uproar.
debated

This word is used to describe topics or issues that are discussed or argued over, often in a formal setting. It doesn't carry a negative connotation.

  • Climate change policies were hotly debated during the conference.
  • The new law has been debated extensively in the parliament.

Examples of usage

  • The contentiousness of the case meant that it went to trial.
  • The contentiousness of the contract negotiations delayed the agreement.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that people high in contentiousness may struggle with relationships due to frequent disagreements.
  • Contentious individuals often engage in conflict resolution strategies, though they may not always be effective.
  • Personality traits related to contentiousness can influence group dynamics, causing tension or motivating debates.

Politics

  • Contentiousness is a common feature in political discussions, leading to heated debates on important issues.
  • Historically, contentious topics like civil rights and immigration have reshaped societies through passionate discourse.
  • Some political commentators argue that heightened contentiousness is a strategy to mobilize voters during elections.

Literature

  • Many classic novels, such as Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice,' explore themes of contentiousness among characters.
  • Contentiousness can drive the plot in many stories, highlighting conflict as a key element in character development.
  • Modern literature often reflects societal issues, showcasing contentious debates as a mirror of the times.

Social Media

  • Online platforms can amplify contentiousness, as anonymity allows for more aggressive arguments.
  • Viral content often stems from contentious topics that engage people and polarize opinions.
  • The digital age has made contentiousness a central theme in discussions about civil discourse and decorum online.

Origin of 'contentiousness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'contentiosus,' which means 'full of disputes.'
  • In English, 'contentious' first appeared in the late 14th century, primarily used in legal contexts regarding disputes.
  • The suffix '-ness' indicates a state or quality, emphasizing the nature of being argumentative.

The word 'contentiousness' originated from the Middle English word 'contentious', which in turn came from the Old French word 'contentieux' meaning 'disputatious'. The suffix '-ness' was added to form the noun 'contentiousness'. The term has been used since the 15th century to describe the quality of being argumentative or causing disagreements.

See also: contentiously.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,741, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.