Definition

1. Verb (intransitive):

   • To struggle or compete against someone or something to achieve a goal: This is the core meaning, involving effort against opposition, whether physical, competitive, or metaphorical.
   • To argue or assert a point: To state something as a fact or belief, often in a debate or discussion.

2. Verb (transitive):

   • To assert or maintain that something is true: To put forward a claim or argument as a fact.

Examples of Usage

• Verb (intransitive - struggle/compete):

  • Several teams contend for the championship every year.
  • She had to contend with bad weather during her climb.
  • The two factions are contending for control of the region.

• Verb (intransitive/transitive - argue/assert):

  • The lawyer contended that the evidence was insufficient. (transitive)
  • Historians contend over the causes of the war. (intransitive)

Advanced Usage

• "to contend with": To deal with a difficult situation or problem.
  • The new manager has many old problems to contend with.
• "to have a lot to contend with": To face many difficulties or challenges.
  • As a single parent, she has a lot to contend with.

Variants and Related Words

• Contender (n): A person or group that competes with others to achieve something.
  • He is a top contender for the position.
• Contention (n):
  • Heated disagreement or argument.

    • The new policy is a source of contention.
  • An assertion or point argued for.

    • His main contention is that the system is unfair.
• Contentious (adj): Causing or likely to cause argument; controversial.
  • It was a contentious decision.

Synonyms

• Compete, vie, struggle, fight: (for the "struggle/compete" meaning).
• Assert, maintain, argue, claim: (for the "argue/assert" meaning).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Contend with: (See "Advanced Usage" above). This is the primary phrasal construction.

Related Idioms

• A bone of contention: A subject or issue over which there is ongoing disagreement.
  • The property line has been a bone of contention between the neighbors for years.

Verb

1. be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight
   • the tribesmen fought each other
   • Siblings are always fighting
   • Militant groups are contending for control of the country
2. compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others
3. come to terms with
   • We got by on just a gallon of gas
   • They made do on half a loaf of bread every day
4. to make the subject of dispute, contention, or litigation
   • They contested the outcome of the race
5. have an argument about something
6. maintain or assert
   • He contended that Communism had no future