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contentiousCausing or likely to cause disagreement or argument; controversial. Characterized by heated dispute or involving conflicting opinions and debates.

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: Causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument; controversial. Characterized by heated dispute or involving conflicting opinions and debates.

Pronunciation (IPA): /kənˈtenʃəs/

Example Sentences

  • Pineapple on pizza remains a contentious topic that can split friendships.
  • The contentious meeting lasted five hours with no resolution.
  • His contentious personality made him unpopular at work.

contentious

ADJECTIVE

[/kənˈtenʃəs/]

Causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument; controversial. Characterized by heated dispute or involving conflicting opinions and debates.

Causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument; controversial. Characterized by heated dispute or involving conflicting opinions and debates.
💡 Concept

Causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument; controversial. Characterized by heated dispute or involving conflicting opinions and debates.

Con counts ten while boxers shush - contentious arguments never hush!
🧠 Mnemonic

Con counts ten while boxers shush - contentious arguments never hush!

The pretentious speaker clashes with the conscientious leader in contentious debate!
🎵 Rhyme

The pretentious speaker clashes with the conscientious leader in contentious debate!

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/kənˈtenʃəs/

🌳Etymology

Prefixcon--
Roottent
Suffix--ious

Origin

From Latin 'contendere' meaning 'to strive, fight, or compete.' This word captures the intense rivalry of Roman gladiators battling in the arena.

Breakdown

con- (together/against) + tend- (to stretch/strain) + -ious (adjective suffix meaning 'characterized by')

🎵Rhyme

pretentiousconscientioussententious

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

Pineapple on pizza remains a contentious topic that can split friendships.

The contentious meeting lasted five hours with no resolution.

His contentious personality made him unpopular at work.

😄 Fun example

Whether cats are better than dogs is a contentious question that has divided households for generations.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

controversialdisputeddebatableargumentativedivisive

Antonyms

harmoniousagreeable

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