Word
contend
Meanings
to argue strongly or claim that something is true, often against opposition
to compete or struggle to achieve something, especially in a challenging situation
Definition
To contend means to argue strongly or to claim that something is true.
To contend is to state an opinion forcefully, especially in a debate or when others disagree. It is often used when someone offers reasons or evidence to support a position. The word can also mean to struggle or compete to achieve something, but the argument sense is very common in academic and public discussion.
Examples
- I contend that the committee’s decision ignored the most relevant data.
- You contend that the change will improve efficiency, but you have not addressed the training costs.
- She contends that the novel should be read as political satire rather than romance.
- They contend that the policy will reduce congestion, yet the survey results suggest otherwise.
Common mistake
Learners often use "contend" as if it meant "be content," but "contend" means "argue" or "compete," not "be satisfied."
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More verbs
- analyze To examine something carefully in order to understand it or explain it.
- scrutinize To scrutinize something is to examine it very carefully and in detail.
- affect To affect something is to influence it or cause it to change.
- allude To allude means to mention or suggest something indirectly without saying it clearly.
- elude To elude someone or something is to avoid being caught, understood, or remembered.