verb

contend

Translation

to contend, to compete, to assert, to struggle

Three teams are contending for the title.

The lawyer contended that her client was innocent.

She had to contend with his difficult behavior.

She had to contend with his difficult behaviour.

((for sth.)) to compete for something They are contending for the championship.

((that ...)) to argue that something is true He contends that the new law is unfair.

((with sth.)) to deal with a problem or difficulty We have to contend with many challenges.

Synonyms: compete, argue, assert, struggle; Antonyms: agree, concede

From Latin 'contendere', from 'con-' (together) + 'tendere' (to stretch). Literally 'to stretch together' or 'strive against'.

Think 'con-' (with) + 'tend'. Two people 'tending' towards the same goal, stretching for it, which leads to competition.