Contend definition

kən-tĕnd

Words form:

Frequency:

To strive in debate or controversy; dispute.

verb

To contend is to believe something is a fact or to deal with a challenge.

An example of contend is when you argue that the sky is green.

An example of contend is when you have to deal with a broken leg before going on a trip.

verb

To hold to be a fact; assert.

We contend that he is guilty.

verb

To struggle or exert one's self to obtain or retain possession of, or to defend.

verb

To strive in debate; to engage in discussion; to dispute; to argue.

verb

To strive in opposition or against difficulties; struggle.

Armies contending for control of territory; had to contend with long lines at the airport.

verb

To strive in competition, as in a race; vie.

Two runners contending for the lead.

verb

To strive in controversy or debate; dispute.

verb

To assert or maintain.

The defense contended that the evidence was inadmissible.

verb

To strive in combat; fight.

verb

To strive in competition; vie.

Contend for a prize.

verb

To strive in opposition; to contest; to dispute; to vie; to quarrel; to fight.

verb

Origin of contend

Middle English contenden from Latin contendere com- com- tendere to stretch, strive ten- in Indo-European roots

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
From Old French contendre, from Latin contendere (“to stretch out, extend, strive after, contend”), from com- (“together”) + tendere (“to stretch”); see tend, and compare attend, extend, intend, subtend.

From Wiktionary