contentious
Translation
controversial, argumentative
Examples
Abortion is a highly contentious issue.
Abortion is a highly contentious issue.
He has a contentious personality.
He has a contentious personality.
Grammar Patterns
a ((contentious)) issue/decision a controversial issue/decision It was a contentious decision to close the factory.
Similar Words
Synonyms: controversial, argumentative; Antonyms: agreeable, uncontroversial
Etymology
From the noun 'contention' (dispute) plus the adjective-forming suffix '-ious' (full of).
Memory Tips
Someone or something 'full of contention' is 'contentious'. The '-ious' suffix often means 'characterised by' or 'full of'.