Definition

1. Noun:

   • A competition or event in which people compete to win something: A contest is an organized event where participants try to win by being the best.
   • A struggle or dispute for superiority or victory: A contest can also refer to a serious conflict or rivalry between opposing sides.

2. Verb:

   • To challenge or dispute the validity of something: To contest something means to formally argue against it or question its correctness.
   • To compete or strive to win something: To contest also means to take part in a competition or struggle to achieve a goal.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • She won first prize in the poetry contest. (This shows a competition.)
  • The election was a close contest between two strong candidates. (This shows a struggle for victory.)

• Verb:

  • The lawyer will contest the will in court. (This shows challenging something legally.)
  • Several athletes are contesting for the gold medal. (This shows competing for a prize.)

Advanced Usage

• "To contest an election": To compete as a candidate in an election.

  • He decided to contest the election as an independent candidate.

• "A contest of wills": A situation where two people or groups are determined to get their own way.

  • The negotiation turned into a tense contest of wills.

• "No contest": A legal plea where the defendant does not admit guilt but accepts punishment, or a situation where the outcome is completely one-sided.

  • The case was settled with a plea of no contest.
  • The final match was no contest; the champion won easily.

Variants and Related Words

• Contestant (n): A person who takes part in a contest or competition.

  • All contestants must register by Friday.

• Contestable (adj): Able to be disputed or challenged.

  • The decision is contestable in a higher court.

• Uncontested (adj): Not challenged or disputed.

  • She won the seat in an uncontested election.

Synonyms

• Noun: Competition, tournament, rivalry, struggle, conflict.
• Verb: Challenge, dispute, oppose, compete, vie.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Contest against: To compete or struggle against someone or something.
  • They had to contest against the reigning champions.

Related Idioms

• A foregone conclusion: An outcome that is certain, making the contest meaningless.

  • The result was a foregone conclusion; everyone knew she would win.

• To be in the running: To be a serious contender in a contest.

  • After her recent win, she is definitely in the running for the award.

Noun

1. a struggle between rivals
2. an occasion on which a winner is selected from among two or more contestants

Verb

1. to make the subject of dispute, contention, or litigation
   • They contested the outcome of the race