What does “contend” mean?
- 1
verbto say firmly that something is true, especially in an argument
The authors contend that the policy has failed.
- 2
verbto deal with a difficult problem, used with “with”
Farmers have to contend with drought and falling prices.
- 3
verbto compete to win something
Three teams are contending for the title.
Contend at a glance
- Part of speech
- verb
- CEFR level
- C2 (proficient)
- Pronunciation
- /kənˈtɛnd/ · kun-TEND
How to use “contend” correctly
“Contend with” = cope with; “contend that” = claim. A “contentious” issue causes disagreement.
Common phrases with “contend”
- contend that
- contend with
- contend for
- a bone of contention
Synonyms, opposites and related words
Synonyms (similar meaning)
- argue
- cope
- compete
Word family
- contention
- contender
- contentious
“contend” is on these word lists
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