contend

/kənˈtend/ (bre, ipa) · /kənˈtend/ (ame, ipa) · /kən-ˈtend/ (ame, mw)

contend — verb

  • contendpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • contendshe / she / it
  • contendedpast simple
  • contending-ing form

1. to take part in a competition or race, trying to defeat others and win a prize,

1.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to take part in a competition or race, trying to defeat others and win a prize, title, or position.

例句

Three candidates are contending for the party's presidential nomination.

contend + for + [position / nomination]

Local shops contend fiercely with big supermarkets for the same customers.

contend + with + noun + for + noun

同義詞
  • compete

    Most general term; 'compete' is slightly less formal than 'contend' and more common in everyday speech.

  • vie

    More literary or formal; suggests eager rivalry over a limited resource, often used with 'for'.

  • struggle

    Emphasises difficulty and effort rather than formal competition; can be used with 'against' for adversity.

  • strive

    Focuses on effort and determination rather than direct rivalry; often used with 'for' or 'to do something'.

反義詞
  • surrender

    To give up instead of competing; opposite of striving to win.

  • withdraw

    To pull out of a competition rather than contending in it.

文法句型

contend + for/against/with + noun phrase

用法筆記

Intransitive — always takes a preposition (for, against, with). Common in politics, sports, and business contexts when describing rivalry.

常見錯誤

❌He contended the championship.
✅He contended for the championship.
💡This sense is intransitive and needs a preposition.
❌Our team will contend them in the final.
✅Our team will contend against them in the final.
💡Use 'against' when naming the opponent directly.

2. to express a firm belief about a fact or situation, especially when involved in

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to express a firm belief about a fact or situation, especially when involved in a disagreement or formal debate.

例句

Many climate scientists contend that human activity is warming the planet.

contend + that-clause for asserting a fact in debate

The defence lawyer contended that the witness had changed their story several times.

同義詞
  • assert

    Very similar in register and strength; 'assert' may sound slightly more forceful, while 'contend' suggests the claim is part of a broader debate.

  • claim

    Less formal; 'claim' can be used even when the statement is unproven or doubtful, whereas 'contend' carries more conviction.

  • maintain

    Emphasises holding a position over time, often despite opposition or counter-arguments.

  • argue

    Suggests providing reasoning or evidence, while 'contend' focuses more on the act of stating a position firmly.

反義詞
  • deny

    To state that something is not true; the direct opposite of asserting a claim.

  • refute

    To prove a statement wrong using evidence; a stronger opposite than 'deny'.

文法句型

contend + that-clause

用法筆記

Frequently used in formal or academic writing. The subject is often a person, organisation, or document (report, study, article). Stronger than 'think' or 'believe' — implies confidence and often a willingness to defend the claim.

常見錯誤

❌I contend that it is raining outside.
✅I think it is raining outside.
💡'Contend' is too strong and formal for trivial, everyday observations.
❌She contended about the issue.
✅She contended that the issue was important.
💡When expressing a claim, 'contend' requires a that-clause, not 'about'.