Contend vs. Contentious — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 5, 2024
"Contend" involves competing, asserting, or striving in a challenge or argument, while "contentious" describes something prone to causing disagreements or disputes.
Difference Between Contend and Contentious
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
To contend is to actively engage in a struggle or competition, whether it’s a physical contest, a debate, or an effort to overcome challenges. Whereas, being contentious refers to a characteristic where a person, statement, or topic frequently leads to conflict or arguments.
Individuals who contend might do so in a sports arena, in a courtroom, or in any scenario requiring assertiveness to claim victory or truth. On the other hand, a contentious person or issue typically generates discord because they provoke disagreement or are controversial in nature.
Contending can be seen as a more neutral or even positive activity it suggests participation and effort, regardless of the context. In contrast, something or someone described as contentious is generally viewed negatively due to the tendency to incite strife and division.
While you can contend for something worthwhile like a championship or a cause, being contentious doesn’t necessarily align with productive outcomes and often complicates discussions or resolutions due to the divisive nature of the interactions.
The act of contending may involve presenting arguments or evidence in support of a position, highlighting a proactive and engaged stance. Contentiousness, however, implies resistance and challenge from others, marked by an atmosphere of chronic disagreement and antagonism.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To compete or assert oneself in a challenge or argument.
Prone to causing disagreements or disputes.
Connotation
Neutral or positive, implies effort and engagement.
Negative, associated with conflict and disagreement.
Outcome
Aims at achieving or proving something.
Often leads to division and continued strife.
Social Perception
Seen as assertive, determined.
Viewed as troublesome, provocative.
Typical Usage
Used in competitive or challenging contexts.
Used to describe people, statements, or topics that incite discord.
Compare with Definitions
Contend
To struggle or compete with others in order to gain or achieve something.
She contended for the gold medal in the Olympics.
Contentious
Involving heated argument.
The meeting was highly contentious with many opposing views.
Contend
To strive or work hard.
They had to contend with severe weather conditions during the expedition.
Contentious
Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.
The proposal was contentious and sparked a heated debate.
Contend
To assert something as a position in an argument.
The lawyer contended that his client was innocent.
Contentious
Prone to engage in controversy.
The topic is a contentious one in social media circles.
Contend
To face difficulties or opposition.
He contends with traffic every morning on his way to work.
Contentious
Relating to or involving differences that lead to conflict.
The border area remains contentious between the two nations.
Contend
To compete or vie for something.
Several companies are contending for the lucrative contract.
Contentious
Given to provoking argument or strife.
He's known for his contentious nature in discussions.
Contend
To strive in opposition or against difficulties; struggle
Armies contending for control of territory.
Had to contend with long lines at the airport.
Contentious
Given to contention; quarrelsome.
Contend
To strive in competition, as in a race; vie
Two runners contending for the lead.
Contentious
Involving or causing contention; controversial
"a central and contentious element of the book" (Tim W. Ferguson).
Contend
To strive in controversy or debate; dispute.
Contentious
Marked by heated arguments or controversy.
Contend
To assert or maintain
The defense contended that the evidence was inadmissible.
Contentious
Given to struggling with others out of jealousy or discord.
Contend
(intransitive) To be in opposition; to contest; to dispute; to vie; to quarrel; to fight.
Contentious
Fond of contention; given to angry debate; provoking dispute or contention; quarrelsome.
Despotic and contentious temper.
Contend
(intransitive) To struggle or exert oneself to obtain or retain possession of, or to defend.
Contentious
Relating to contention or strife; involving or characterized by contention.
More cheerful, though not less contentious, regions.
Contend
(intransitive) To be in debate; to engage in discussion; to dispute; to argue.
Contentious
Contested; litigated; litigious; having power to decide controversy.
Contend
(intransitive) To believe (something is reasonable) and argue (for it); to advocate.
In this paper the author contends that no useful results can be obtained if this method is used.
Contentious
Inclined or showing an inclination to dispute or disagree, even to engage in law suits;
A style described as abrasive and contentious
A disputatious lawyer
A litigious and acrimonious spirit
Contend
Contend with: To try to cope with a difficulty or problem.
Contentious
Involving or likely to cause controversy;
A central and contentious element of the book
Contend
To struggle or exert one's self to obtain or retain possession of, or to defend.
You sit above, and see vain men belowContend for what you only can bestow.
Contentious
Having or showing a ready disposition to fight;
Bellicose young officers
A combative impulse
A contentious nature
Contend
To strive in debate; to engage in discussion; to dispute; to argue.
The question which our author would contend for.
Many things he fiercely contended about were trivial.
Contend
To struggle for; to contest.
Carthage shall contend the world with Rome.Dryden.
Contend
Maintain or assert;
He contended that Communism had no future
Contend
Have an argument about something
Contend
To make the subject of dispute, contention, or litigation;
They contested the outcome of the race
Contend
Compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others
Contend
Come to terms or deal successfully with;
We got by on just a gallon of gas
They made do on half a loaf of bread every day
Common Curiosities
What skills are useful for someone who must contend in a contentious environment?
Strong communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills can be crucial for effectively contending without exacerbating contention.
What are typical contexts where one might contend?
Sports competitions, legal battles, or any scenario requiring assertion to overcome obstacles or challenges.
Can a situation be both contentious and involve contending?
Yes, a situation can involve contending parties within a contentious issue, especially in debates or negotiations.
How can someone manage to not become contentious while still contending?
By focusing on assertively presenting facts and maintaining respect for differing viewpoints, thus avoiding unnecessary provocation.
Are contentious issues always avoidable?
Not always, as some topics inherently lead to disagreements; however, the approach to discussion can often mitigate the contentious nature of the issue.
How should one approach a contentious person in a discussion?
With patience, clear boundaries, and an emphasis on constructive dialogue to avoid escalating the conflict.
Is it negative to be contentious?
Generally, yes, as it implies causing discord or being argumentative, which can be viewed negatively in many social and professional settings.
What are the effects of a contentious personality in the workplace?
It can lead to reduced collaboration, increased stress, and potentially a toxic work environment if not managed properly.
Can a contentious issue be resolved peacefully?
Yes, through skilled mediation, open dialogue, and a willingness from all parties to find common ground.
What distinguishes a healthy debate from a contentious argument?
A healthy debate focuses on ideas and respects personal differences, whereas a contentious argument often becomes personal and disrespectful.
How does culture influence perceptions of contentious and contending behaviors?
Cultural norms can dictate what is considered acceptable contention and which behaviors are seen as overly contentious.
Is being contentious a personality trait or a behavior?
It can be both; some may have a natural propensity for contentiousness, while others might exhibit it as situational behavior.
Can contending be positive in a personal growth context?
Yes, contending against personal limits or challenges can be a powerful driver of personal growth and achievement.
What strategies can help one contend effectively?
Preparation, knowledge, confidence, and strategic thinking are key to effectively contending in various scenarios.
How do leaders effectively manage contentious situations?
Through strong leadership, effective communication, and fostering an environment where open and respectful dialogue is encouraged.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
