contend
[ kuhn-tend ]
verb (used without object)
to struggle in opposition: to contend with the enemy for control of the port.
to strive in debate; dispute earnestly: to contend against falsehood.
verb (used with object)
to assert or maintain earnestly: He contended that taxes were too high.
Origin of contend
1synonym study For contend
2. See compete.
Other words for contend
Opposites for contend
Other words from contend
- con·tend·er, noun
- con·tend·ing·ly, adverb
- non·con·tend·ing, adjective
- pre·con·tend, verb (used without object)
- re·con·tend, verb (used without object)
- un·con·tend·ed, adjective
- un·con·tend·ing, adjective
Words that may be confused with contend
- contend , contest
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for contend
contend
/ (kənˈtɛnd) /
verb
(intr often foll by with) to struggle in rivalry, battle, etc; vie
to argue earnestly; debate
(tr; may take a clause as object) to assert or maintain
Origin of contend
1C15: from Latin contendere to strive, from com- with + tendere to stretch, aim
Derived forms of contend
- contender, noun
- contendingly, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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