Word
contending
Phoneticscon·tend·ing
US/kənˈtɛndɪŋ/
UK/kəntˈɛndɪŋ/
Definition
adj. competing with others to win something or achieve a goal. It describes people or groups who are currently in a struggle or competition.
adj. engaged in a competition or struggle for a prize, position, or victory. Often used as a participial adjective to describe rival parties or athletes.
Examples
“The two contending teams are ready for the final match.”
“The judge listened carefully to the contending arguments from both lawyers before making a final decision.”
“The historian analyzed the contending ideologies of the era, noting how each faction sought to define the national identity through its own narrow lens.”
Examples
simple
“The two contending teams are ready for the final match.”
contextual
“The judge listened carefully to the contending arguments from both lawyers before making a final decision.”
complex
“The historian analyzed the contending ideologies of the era, noting how each faction sought to define the national identity through its own narrow lens.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun to describe rivals or opposing forces.
Real-World Examples
“For monkeyflowers that live along the Pacific Coast, seaside life means contending with a relentless spray of salt blowing in from the ocean.”