Definition of Contentious
Quick Meaning of Contentious
Something that causes people to argue or disagree strongly with each other.
Detailed Definition of Contentious
Causing or likely to cause heated argument or disagreement between people.
How to Pronounce Contentious
Stress pattern: oOo (3-syllable word).
Tip: Stress the second syllable: con-TEN-shus. The 'ous' sounds like 'us'.
Watch out: con-TEN-tious (adding extra syllable)
Origin and Etymology of Contentious
From Latin contentiosus, meaning quarrelsome or obstinate.
How to Use Contentious in a Sentence
Each example shows “contentious” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“Climate change remains a contentious issue in politics.”
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“The team had a contentious debate about the new strategy.”
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“His contentious remarks at the meeting upset several colleagues.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Contentious
Common Synonyms for Contentious
Smart Synonyms for Contentious — When to Use Each
- controversial
- for widely debated or disputed topics
- disputed
- when evidence or facts are in disagreement
- quarrelsome
- describing a person inclined to argue
Antonyms of Contentious
Common Collocations with Contentious
These phrases pair with “contentious” in everyday English:
- contentious issue
- contentious debate
- contentious relationship
- contentious topic
Common Mistakes When Using Contentious
Even fluent speakers slip up with “contentious”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: This is a very contentious person topic.
- ✓ Correct: This is a very contentious topic.
- Why: Contentious modifies the issue/topic, not the person.
- ✗ Wrong: They was contentious about the decision.
- ✓ Correct: They were contentious about the decision.
- Why: Use plural verb 'were' with 'they'.
- ✗ Wrong: The contentious make it hard to agree.
- ✓ Correct: The contentious issue makes it hard to agree.
- Why: Contentious is an adjective; it must modify a noun.
Words Confused With Contentious
- Contentious vs Contentious vs contented: Contentious means argumentative; contented means satisfied.
Other Forms of Contentious
- Noun: contentiousness
- Adjective: contentious
- Adverb: contentiously
Frequently Asked Questions About Contentious
What is the meaning of "Contentious"?
Something that causes people to argue or disagree strongly with each other.
How do you pronounce "Contentious"?
The IPA is /kənˈtenʃəs/. Stress the second syllable: con-TEN-shus. The 'ous' sounds like 'us'.
What part of speech is "Contentious"?
"Contentious" is an adjective at B2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Contentious"?
Common synonyms include controversial, disputed, argued.
How do you use "Contentious" in a sentence?
For example: "Climate change remains a contentious issue in politics."