kənˈtenchən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English contencioun, from Middle French, from Latin contention-, contentio, from contentus (past participle of contendere to contend) + -ion, -io -ion — more at contend
1. : an act or instance of contending : violent effort or struggle to obtain, resist, or compete : conflict , strife
in spite of the violent contentions of the great … many of the cities of Italy were advancing on in prosperity — C.E.Norton
2. : strife in words : altercation , controversy , squabbling
to escape the theological contentions in the Congregational parish — S.E.Morison
— often used in the phrase bone of contention
3. : a point advanced or maintained in a debate or argument : the subject matter of debate or strife : claim , charge , thesis
supporting his contention with biblical and mythological evidence — American Guide Series: Pennsylvania
the contention that the growers … concurred with the pricing and grading — Farmer's Weekly ( South Africa )
4. archaic : strong effort : earnest striving
a study that requires effort and contention of mind — William Whewell
5. : rivalry , competition
too slow to keep him in contention with even the cheapest of company — D.M.Mankiewicz
Synonyms: see discord