Vocabulary in context
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Contend
To strive or compete in a contest or conflict; to assert or argue a point.
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Imagine This
A boxer will not be content until he defeats his opponent and wins the championship.
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Sounds Like
kÉn-TEND
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Looks Like
content
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Remember This
Contender is someone who contends; contending means actively striving. 'Content' (satisfied) is a common false friend.
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Other Forms
contendernoun
contendsverb (3rd person singular)
contendingverb (present participle)
contendedverb (past tense)
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Connect With
vie, compete, argue, assert, maintain, contend with
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Note
Contend can take a direct object (contend for a prize) or the clause 'contend that...' to present an argument. It can also be used with 'contend with' to mean 'deal with' or 'struggle against'.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The two teams contended for the championship all season.
- In his speech, he contends that the policy will reduce inequality.
Synonyms
viecompeteargueassertmaintain
Antonyms
concedeyieldsurrender
Etymology
From Latin contendere ('to strive, contend'), formed from com- (together) + tendere (to stretch or strive).
Mnemonic
Con-tend: think of two people 'tending' toward a goal together in a contest; they contend to win.
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Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
Absolve
verbTo free someone from blame or responsibility; to pardon or exonerate.
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