noun

contention

disagreement, argument, assertion, competition

The main point of contention was the new budget.

The main point of contention was the new budget.

It is my contention that the theory is flawed.

It is my contention that the theory is flawed.

She is in contention for the gold medal.

She is in contention for the gold medal.

a point of ((contention)) a subject of disagreement The main point of contention was money.

sb's ((contention)) that... sb's assertion that... It is my contention that he is innocent.

to be in ((contention)) for sth. to have a chance of winning sth. Two teams are in contention for the title.

Synonyms: disagreement, dispute, assertion; Antonyms: agreement, harmony

From Latin 'contendere' (to strive, dispute), from 'con-' (with) + 'tendere' (to stretch). The idea is of stretching against each other.

Think of two sides 'contending' for a point, which leads to 'contention' or disagreement. The word has 'tension' in it.

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