Words / C1

k-uh-n-TENSHUN/kənˈtenʃn/

Contention has two C1 lives: a point someone argues is true (her main contention is that…), and disagreement (a bone of contention; a matter of some contention). Claim is the everyday cousin for the first sense; argument or dispute for the second. Contentious is the adjective (a contentious issue). Do not use contention for a mild preference.

Meaning

Disagreement, or a point that someone argues is true.

Examples

• “Her main contention is that practice beats talent.”
• “His contention is that the sample was biased, not small.”
• “Pay has been a bone of contention since the merger.”

Good to know

1) a claim in an argument. 2) conflict. a bone of contention. Adjective: contentious.

Near in meaning

claim

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