The noun is pronounced /kɒntest/. The verb is pronounced /kəntest/.
( contested)
Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English.
1.
A contest is a competition or game in which people try to win.
Few contests in the recent history of British boxing have been as thrilling.
...a writing contest.
N-COUNT
see also beauty contest
2.
A contest is a struggle to win power or control.
The state election due in November will be the last such ballot before next year’s presidential contest...
...a clear contest between church and state.
N-COUNT
3.
If someone contests an election or competition, they take part in it and try to win it. ( mainly BRIT )
He quickly won his party’s nomination to contest the elections.
...a closely contested regional flower show.
VERB : V n , V-ed
4.
If you contest a statement or decision, you object to it formally because you think it is wrong or unreasonable.
Your former employer has to reply within 14 days in order to contest the case...
Gender discrimination is a hotly contested issue.
= dispute
VERB : V n , V-ed