contentious

/kənˈtenʃəs/ (bre, ipa) · /kənˈtenʃəs/ (ame, ipa) · /kən-ˈten(t)-shəs/ (ame, mw)

contentious — adjective

  • contentiouspositive
  • more contentiouscomparative
  • most contentioussuperlative

1. describes an issue, topic, or situation that creates strong differences of opini

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describes an issue, topic, or situation that creates strong differences of opinion and often leads to heated discussion or debate among people

例句

The contentious issue of land reform divided the committee for months.

collocation: contentious issue

Immigration remains one of the most contentious topics in the current election campaign.

同義詞
  • controversial

    broader term; applies to any topic that sparks public debate, not necessarily formal dispute

  • divisive

    stronger; implies the topic actively splits people into opposing camps with lasting tension

  • disputed

    more neutral; simply means there is disagreement, without the implication of strong emotions

反義詞

文法句型

contentious + noun (issue/topic/subject)

be + highly/deeply + contentious

用法筆記

This sense applies to things (issues, topics, policies, clauses), not to people. When describing a person's character, use sense 2 instead.

常見錯誤

❌The meeting was contentious about the budget.
✅The budget was a contentious issue at the meeting.
💡This sense describes the topic or issue itself, not the event where it was discussed.

2. describes a person who enjoys arguing or frequently starts arguments with others

2.形容詞B2
釋義

describes a person who enjoys arguing or frequently starts arguments with others, often over minor matters

例句

Elena's contentious nature made it difficult for her to keep friends for long.

collocation: contentious nature

Theo became increasingly contentious during the meeting, challenging every point the speaker made.

verb pattern: become + contentious

同義詞
  • quarrelsome

    more informal and implies a habit of picking fights over trivial things

  • argumentative

    interchangeable in most contexts; focuses on the desire to challenge others' views

  • disputatious

    more formal and literary; suggests a fondness for formal debate or legal arguments

反義詞
  • agreeable

    describes someone who is pleasant and avoids conflict

  • peaceable

    describes someone who prefers harmony and calm interactions

文法句型

contentious + noun (nature/person/attitude/style)

become + contentious

get + contentious

用法筆記

Frequently used with possessive nouns or adjectives to describe a person's character (contentious nature, contentious attitude). Can also describe temporary behaviour in specific situations (became contentious, turned contentious). Carries a negative connotation.

常見錯誤

❌He is contentious with his opinions.
✅He is contentious about his opinions.
💡The pattern is 'contentious about something' when specifying the subject of disagreement.