contentious

/kən'tenʃəs/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
contentious

The committee meeting became contentious over the new policy.

Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Causing or likely to cause disagreement and argument: Describes a subject, issue, or statement that is controversial and provokes debate.
    • Having a tendency to argue and dispute: Describes a person who is quarrelsome, combative, or fond of arguing.
Usage and Examples

  • Describing a topic or issue:

    • The proposed tax reform is a contentious issue among politicians.
    • The book's conclusions about climate change are highly contentious.

  • Describing a person's nature or behavior:

    • He became known as a contentious critic who loved to provoke debate.
    • Avoiding contentious individuals can make meetings more productive.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
  • Legal Context: In law, "contentious" can specifically refer to matters involving active dispute or litigation.
    • The court handles both non-contentious probate and contentious civil cases.
  • Formal/Journalistic Tone: The word is often used in formal writing, academic discourse, and journalism to describe divisive topics.
Variants and Related Words
  • Contentiously (adverb): In a quarrelsome or controversial manner.
    • The proposal was contentiously debated for hours.
  • Contentiousness (noun): The quality of being contentious.
    • The contentiousness of the discussion prevented any agreement.
Synonyms
  • Controversial: Giving rise or likely to give rise to public disagreement.
  • Argumentative: Given to arguing; disputatious.
  • Combative: Ready or eager to fight or argue.
  • Disputatious: Fond of or causing heated arguments.
Antonyms
  • Agreeable: Pleasant and easy to agree with.
  • Conciliatory: Intended or likely to placate or pacify.
  • Uncontroversial: Not likely to cause disagreement.
Idioms and Fixed Phrases
  • A contentious point: A specific aspect of a discussion that is particularly disputed.
    • The funding model remains a contentious point in the negotiations.
  • Contentious proceedings: A formal term, often legal, for processes marked by dispute.
    • The divorce led to long and contentious proceedings.
contentious

The committee meeting became contentious over the new policy.

Adjective
  1. involving or likely to cause controversy
    • a central and contentious element of the book- Tim W.Ferfuson
  2. inclined or showing an inclination to dispute or disagree, even to engage in law suits
    • a style described as abrasive and contentious
    • a disputatious lawyer
    • a litigious and acrimonious spirit

Từ đồng nghĩa

Từ tương tự

Từ gần giống

Từ chứa "contentious"

Từ có nhắc đến "contentious"