/ kənˈtenʃn; NAmE / noun ( formal )
1.
[ U ] angry disagreement between people
SYN dispute :
One area of contention is the availability of nursery care.
a point of contention
2.
[ C ] contention (that ... ) a belief or an opinion that you express, especially in an argument :
It is our client's contention that the fire was an accident.
I would reject that contention.
➡ note at claim
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IDIOMS
- in contention (for sth)
- out of contention (for sth)
—more at bone noun
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Latin contentio(n-) , from contendere strive with, from con- with + tendere stretch, strive.