Contend (Verb)
Meaning 1
Compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others.
Classification
Verbs of fighting, athletic activities.
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Meaning 2
Be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight; "the tribesmen fought each other"; "Siblings are always fighting"; "Militant groups are contending for control of the country".
Classification
Verbs of fighting, athletic activities.
Examples
- Rival gangs contend for power on the city's streets, often resorting to violence.
- Militant groups are contending for control of the country, and the government is struggling to maintain order.
- The two brothers contend for their parents' attention, constantly trying to outdo each other.
- Rebel forces contend for control of the strategic mountain pass, but government troops are determined to hold their ground.
- Politicians contend for the votes of undecided citizens in the final weeks of the election campaign.
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Meaning 3
Maintain or assert; "He contended that Communism had no future".
Classification
Verbs of telling, asking, ordering, singing.
Synonyms
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Meaning 4
Succeed in doing, achieving, or producing (something) with the limited or inadequate means available; "We got by on just a gallon of gas"; "They made do on half a loaf of bread every day".
Classification
Verbs of political and social activities and events.
Examples
- She has to contend with an outdated computer and limited internet connection to run her home-based business.
- The athlete will contend with a lingering injury to compete in the marathon.
- We will have to contend with a small living space until we can afford a bigger apartment.
- With only a few ingredients available, the chef has to contend with preparing a delicious meal for hundreds of guests.
- The city's water treatment plant must contend with aging infrastructure to provide clean drinking water to residents.
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Meaning 5
Have an argument about something.
Classification
Verbs of telling, asking, ordering, singing.
Examples
- They will contend that the new policy has done more harm than good to the community.
- She and her colleague have been contending all morning about whose turn it is to give the presentation.
- The neighbors have been contending over the ownership of the disputed land for years.
- Politicians will contend with each other for the presidential seat in the upcoming election.
- The economist and the environmentalist were contending about the best approach to sustainable development.