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Contestation: meaning, definitions and examples

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contestation

 

[ kɒnˈtɛsteɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

legal context

Contestation refers to the act of disputing or challenging something, often in a formal manner, such as in legal or administrative settings. It implies a struggle for rights or claims that are not easily accepted. The term often appears in legal disputes where one party contests the claims or actions of another.

Synonyms

challenge, controversy, dispute, opposition

Examples of usage

  • The contestation of the election results led to a lengthy court battle.
  • Her contestation of the will was based on claims of undue influence.
  • There was a contestation over the land ownership between the two parties.

Etymology

The word 'contestation' comes from the Latin term 'contestatio', which means 'a calling together' or 'a challenge'. The root 'contestar' signifies the action of contesting or opposing, derived from 'com-' meaning 'together' and 'testari' meaning 'to bear witness'. The use of the term evolved over time, particularly in the legal arena, to represent formal disputes. By the late 19th century, 'contestation' became a common term used in legal discourse to describe challenges against decisions or authority. Its application extends beyond mere challenge, encompassing the broader concept of conflicting interests, leading to its prevalence in contemporary discussions about rights and justice.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,744, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.