contention
kun-TEN-shun
/kənˈtɛnʃən/
Heated disagreement; also, an assertion maintained in an argument.
Contention has two meanings: the state of arguing (discord) and the point someone is trying to prove. It implies a high level of intellectual or serious disagreement.
The story behind the word. From 'con-' (together) and 'tendere' (to stretch). It pictures two people pulling hard on opposite ends of a rope—a literal 'stretching' of the truth or of patience.
Word relationships
- dissension: Dissension specifically refers to disagreement within a group that leads to a split.
- consensus: General agreement among a group.
Commonly confused with
- contention (assertion): Be careful to distinguish between 'the act of arguing' and 'the point being argued'.
Word family
- contentious (adjective): Likely to cause an argument; controversial.
- contend (verb): To struggle to surmount a difficulty; to assert a position.
Collocations
- bone of contention
- point of contention
- serious contention
Idioms & expressions
- bone of contention
Example sentences
- "The proposed tax increase was a major source of contention between the two political parties." Discussing a controversial topic.
Memory hook
Think of a 'tent' being pulled in two directions. That's con-ten-tion. Contention: Tension over a point.
When not to use
Don't use for a physical fight; it refers to the disagreement of ideas or claims.
Fun facts
- The phrase 'bone of contention' refers to two dogs fighting over a single bone.
Related words
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