English Explanatory Dictionary

contend

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To be in opposition; to contest; to dispute; to vie; to quarrel; to fight.
  2. To struggle or exert oneself to obtain or retain possession of, or to defend.
  3. To be in debate; to engage in discussion; to dispute; to argue.
  4. To believe (something is reasonable) and argue (for it); to advocate.
  5. To try to cope with a difficulty or problem.

Pronunciation

/kənˈtɛnd/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Mélange a trois-contend.wav

Word forms

contend contends contending contended

Etymology

From Middle English contenden, borrowed 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.

Synonyms

fight combat vie oppose struggle strive emulate contest litigate dispute debate assert aver submit

Related words

contender contention contentious

Derived words

contendingly contend with noncontending uncontended uncontending
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