contention
/kənˈtɛnʃən/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: 3.73 in modern English
12
Scrabble Score
10
Letters
3
Syllables
6
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
A point maintained in an argument, or a line of argument taken in its support; the subject matter of discussion of strife; a position taken or contended for.
Countable; Uncountable
Example Sentences
- "It is my contention that state lotteries are taxes on stupid people."
- "The multiplicity of moral opinions is an empirical fact and does not invalidate the contention that there is only one morality par excellence."
Etymology
From Middle English contencion, borrowed from Old French contencion, from Latin contentio, contentionem, from contendō (past participle contentus); equivalent to contend + -tion (similar formation to attention).