adj.
Pronunciation: k ə n- ' ten(t)-sh ə s
Function: adjective
Date: 15th century
1 : likely to cause contention <a contentious argument>
2 : exhibiting an often perverse and wearisome tendency to quarrels and disputes <a man of a most contentious nature>
synonyms see BELLIGERENT
– con · ten · tious · ly adverb
– con · ten · tious · ness noun