/ kənˈtend; NAmE / verb
1.
( formal ) to say that sth is true, especially in an argument
SYN maintain :
[ v that ]
I would contend that the minister's thinking is flawed on this point.
[also vn that ]
2.
[ v ] contend (for sth) to compete against sb in order to gain sth :
Three armed groups were contending for power.
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PHRASAL VERBS
- contend with sth
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (in the sense compete for (something) ): from Old French contendre or Latin contendere , from con- with + tendere stretch, strive.