Word
contend
Phoneticscon·tend, stress on the second syllable
US/kənˈtɛnd/
UK/kəntˈɛnd/
Definitions
01to argue or claim
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to say that something is true, especially during an argument or a formal discussion.
v. to assert or maintain a position in an argument. Often followed by a 'that' clause.
“The lawyer continued to contend that his client was innocent despite the new evidence.”
“Critics of the policy contend that the proposed tax reforms will disproportionately affect middle-income families while failing to address the deficit.”
Usage
Commonly used with a 'that' clause to introduce a formal statement of belief or fact.
02to deal with a problem
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to have to deal with a difficult situation or a person who is causing trouble.
v. to struggle against or cope with a difficulty, obstacle, or opposition.
Español:contender
“The rescue team had to contend with freezing rain and strong winds all night.”
“Small businesses must often contend with complex regulatory frameworks that were originally designed for much larger corporations.”
Usage
Almost always used with the preposition 'with'.
03to compete
C1 · Advanced Sports Formal
v. to compete with others to win something or to achieve a goal.
v. to strive in rivalry or competition against others for a prize or status.
“Three different cities are now contending to host the next Olympic Games.”
“Several young athletes are contending for the gold medal, each bringing a unique set of strengths to the final round of the competition.”
Usage
Often followed by 'for' (the prize) or 'against' (the opponent).
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “contend” in context.
Verb
01. contend for the title
“Three different teams are still in a position to contend for the league title this season.”
verb + prep + noun
02. contend that the policy is flawed
“Many legal experts contend that the new policy is flawed and violates constitutional rights.”
verb + that-clause
03. contend with challenges
“The new administration has to contend with significant economic challenges left by its predecessor.”
verb + prep + noun
04. strive and contend
“Athletes must strive and contend for every point if they hope to win the championship.”
verb + and + verb
Noun
05. ability to contend
“His ability to contend with high-pressure situations made him an ideal candidate for the role.”
noun + infinitive
Adverb
06. strenuously contend that
“Defense attorneys strenuously contend that the evidence against their client was obtained illegally.”
adv + verb
07. successfully contend with
“The company managed to successfully contend with the sudden drop in market demand.”
verb + adv
Real-World Examples
“Swiatek says it can be challenging to contend with external criticism while searching for her best form.” “Similarly, those with PMDD also contend with dramatic effects , and can have an even harder time receiving effective care.” Etymology
From Middle English contenden, borrowed from Old French contendre, from Latin contendere (“to stretch out, extend, strive after, contend”), from com- (“together”) + tendere (“to stretch”); see tend, and compare attend, extend, intend, subtend.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/contend
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0