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contest

n. · v.
US //ˈkɑntɛst// con·test
  1. 1 a competition (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a competition or game that people try to win.

    an event in which people compete for supremacy in a particular field or to win a prize.

    Example

    She entered a photography contest to see if she could win the grand prize.

    Example

    The local council organised a design contest to find the most innovative architectural solution for the new community centre.
  2. 2 a struggle for power (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a struggle or fight between two people or groups to see who is better or stronger.

    a struggle for superiority or victory between opposing forces or individuals.

    Example

    The election was a close contest between the two main political parties.

    Example

    The leadership contest revealed deep ideological divisions within the party that had been ignored for years.
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  1. 3 to challenge a decision (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to say formally that you do not agree with something and try to change it.

    to challenge or dispute the validity or accuracy of a statement, decision, or result.

    Example

    The family decided to contest the will because they thought it was unfair.

    Example

    Lawyers for the defendant announced their intention to contest the evidence, claiming it had been obtained through illegal means.
  2. 4 to compete for something (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to compete for a position or to try to win an election.

    to engage in a competition or struggle in order to win or achieve something.

    Example

    Several candidates are planning to contest the seat in the upcoming election.

    Example

    The two companies continue to contest the market for high-end smartphones, each releasing new features every autumn.
Origin

PIE word *tréyes From French contester, from Old French, from Latin contestor (“to call to witness”).

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