contention

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a point asserted as part of an argument
  2. noun a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement
  3. noun the act of competing as for profit or a prize

Etymology

From Middle English contencion, borrowed from Old French contencion, from Latin contentio, contentionem, from contendō (past participle contentus); equivalent to contend + -tion (similar formation to attention).

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