Contention

Noun

Definition: Heated disagreement or argument.

Synonyms: Disagreement, Dispute, Discord

Antonyms: Agreement, Harmony, Concord

Examples:
  • The siblings were in constant contention over their inheritance.
  • The issue sparked a contentious debate among the politicians.
Mnemonics:
  • Think of "contention" as "con-tension," representing the tension created in a disagreement.

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English (originally in the sense 'struggle, rebellion'): from Latin contentio(n-), from contendere 'to contend'.

Historical Usage:

The word "contention" has been used since Middle English and has always carried the meaning of a struggle or disagreement.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Contention is the father of progress."

Explanation:

This phrase suggests that disagreements and conflicts can often lead to progress and improvement.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "contention" with "content" or "contents".

Explanation:

"Contention" refers to a disagreement or argument, while "content" refers to the substance or material within something, and "contents" refer to the items or information contained within a container or document. They have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably.

Share: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn