Contend meaning

kən-tĕnd'
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
3
0
To strive in debate or controversy; dispute.
verb
2
1
To strive in combat; fight.
verb
0
0
To strive in competition; vie.

Contend for a prize.

verb
0
0
To hold to be a fact; assert.

We contend that he is guilty.

verb
0
0
Advertisement
To strive in opposition; to contest; to dispute; to vie; to quarrel; to fight.
verb
0
0
To struggle or exert one's self to obtain or retain possession of, or to defend.
verb
0
0
To strive in debate; to engage in discussion; to dispute; to argue.
verb
0
0
To strive in opposition or against difficulties; struggle.

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

verb
0
1
To strive in competition, as in a race; vie.

Two runners contending for the lead.

verb
0
1
Advertisement
To strive in controversy or debate; dispute.
verb
0
1
To assert or maintain.

The defense contended that the evidence was inadmissible.

verb
0
1

Origin of contend

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.

Sentence Examples

  • The new governor had great difficulties to contend with.

  • The system of having one canal overlapping another has one difficulty to contend with.

  • Her foreign policy was as consistent as it could be considering the forces she had to contend against.

  • I like to contend with wind and wave.

  • He had to contend against a strong peace party in Holland the Spaniards sheltered themselves under the English Downs by the side of an English squadron.

More sentences →

Words near contend in the Dictionary