Contention
Noun
Definition: Heated disagreement or argument.
Synonyms: Disagreement, Dispute, Discord
Antonyms: Agreement, Harmony, Concord
- The siblings were in constant contention over their inheritance.
- The issue sparked a contentious debate among the politicians.
- Think of "contention" as "con-tension," representing the tension created in a disagreement.
Etymology:
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:
"Contention is the father of progress."
Explanation:This phrase suggests that disagreements and conflicts can often lead to progress and improvement.
Misconceptions:
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.