Definition of contend
intransitive verb
1 : to strive or vie in contest or rivalry or against difficulties : struggle contended with the problems of municipal government will contend for the championship this year
2 : to strive in debate : argue
transitive verb
1 : maintain, assert contended that he was right contends that the new law would help only the wealthy
2 : to struggle for : contest She contended every point, objected to every request … — Margaret Mead
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Examples of contend in a sentence
These people contend that they have earned the right to the land.
The team is expected to contend for the championship this year.
Origin and Etymology of contend
Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French contendre, from Latin contendere, from com- + tendere to stretch — more at thin
First Known Use: 15th century
CONTEND Defined for English Language Learners
contend
playDefinition of contend for English Language Learners
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: to argue or state (something) in a strong and definite way
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: to compete with someone or for something : to compete with a good chance of winning
CONTEND Defined for Kids
Learn More about contend
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See words that rhyme with contend Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for contend Spanish Central: Translation of contend Nglish: Translation of contend for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of contend for Arabic speakers
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