Dictionary-enhanced word family
Word Forms of “Contentious”
Something that causes people to argue or disagree strongly with each other.
Word Family of Contentious
What is the noun of contentious? — contentiousness
What is the adjective of contentious? — contentious
What is the adverb of contentious? — contentiously
How to Use Each Word Form in a Sentence
- Climate change remains a contentious issue in politics. B2
- The team had a contentious debate about the new strategy. B2
- His contentious remarks at the meeting upset several colleagues. B2
Word Form Patterns for Contentious
-ness
Adds **-ness** to make a noun meaning the state, quality, or condition of being something. Example: contentious → contentiousness.
-ly
Adds **-ly** to make an adverb describing how an action happens. Example: contentious → contentiously.
Origin and Word Formation of Contentious
From Latin contentiosus, meaning quarrelsome or obstinate.
Common Word Form Mistakes with Contentious
Wrong: They was contentious about the decision.
Correct: They were contentious about the decision.
Use plural verb 'were' with 'they'.
Wrong: The contentious make it hard to agree.
Correct: The contentious issue makes it hard to agree.
Contentious is an adjective; it must modify a noun.
Frequently Asked Questions About Word Forms of Contentious
What are the word forms of “contentious”?
The confirmed forms are shown in the word family cards above. Missing parts of speech are hidden instead of filled with placeholder text.
What part of speech is “contentious”?
“contentious” is primarily a adj. Some forms above show how the same root works as other parts of speech.
Where does “contentious” come from?
From Latin contentiosus, meaning quarrelsome or obstinate.