contest
/ˈkɒntest/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkɑːntest/ (ame, ipa) · /kən-ˈtest ˈkän-ˌtest/ (ame, mw) · /kənˈtest/ (bre, ipa) · /kənˈtest/ (ame, ipa)
contest — noun
- contestsingular
- contestsplural
1. An organized event in which people or groups try to show they are better than ot
An organized event in which people or groups try to show they are better than others, often to win a prize or a reward.
The school held a baking contest that Priya won with her chocolate cake.
collocation: hold a contest / win a contest
More than fifty teams entered the annual robot-building contest in Taipei.
collocation: enter a contest
Diego was nervous before the singing contest, but his performance impressed everyone.
The winner of the photography contest will receive a cash prize of ten thousand dollars.
Aiko entered the essay contest hoping to win a scholarship to study abroad.
- competition
the broadest term — any situation where people try to outperform each other, whether organized or not
- tournament
a series of games or rounds, often in sports, with elimination rules
- match
a single game between two sides, especially in sports
2. A struggle to win a position of leadership or power, especially through a politi
A struggle to win a position of leadership or power, especially through a political election, often against strong opposition.
The mayoral contest between Leila and Mr. Kim grew more heated each week.
collocation: mayoral contest
Both parties spent millions of dollars on the Senate contest in Ohio.
In a close contest, the incumbent won by fewer than two hundred votes.
The contest for the city council seat attracted five candidates from different backgrounds.
用法筆記
This sense almost always appears in political contexts. It often carries a modifier specifying the role being sought (mayoral, Senate, presidential contest).
contest — verb
- contestpresent simple I / you / we / they
- contests3rd person singular
- contesting-ing form
- contestedpast simple
1. To officially disagree with a decision, statement, or legal ruling and take step
To officially disagree with a decision, statement, or legal ruling and take steps to get it changed or reversed.
The lawyer plans to contest the judge's ruling in a higher court.
transitive: contest a ruling / decision
Hiro contested the speeding ticket, saying the radar reading was wrong.
Ms. Olivares decided to contest the will after discovering it was signed under pressure.
Several shareholders contested the company's claim that the merger was fair.
The losing candidate vowed to contest the election results in court.
文法句型
contest + noun phrase (decision, ruling, claim, will)
用法筆記
Frequently used in legal or official settings. The object is typically something official — a decision, ruling, claim, will, or election result. Not used for casual disagreements.
常見錯誤
2. To take part in a competition or struggle to gain something that other people al
To take part in a competition or struggle to gain something that other people also want.
Three young chefs contested the title of best pasta maker at the food festival.
transitive: contest the title of [something]
Runners from twelve countries will contest the marathon championship this weekend.
Two architecture firms are contesting the contract to design the new library.
Students from each class contested the debating trophy in the final round.
- compete for
more common in everyday English; can apply to any situation where people try to win something
- vie for
similar formality to 'contest'; often used in political or professional contexts
- contend for
slightly more formal; suggests a struggle against opposition
- withdraw from
to stop taking part in a competition
- concede
to give up the competition before it ends
文法句型
contest + noun phrase (title, championship, trophy, contract)
用法筆記
This sense is more common in formal or written English. In everyday conversation, 'compete for' or 'go for' are more natural alternatives.
常見錯誤
3. To try to be chosen for a political position by taking part in an election again
To try to be chosen for a political position by taking part in an election against other candidates.
Nadia decided to contest the seat in parliament after ten years as a lawyer.
collocation: contest a seat (in parliament)
Only women contested the three open positions on the school board this year.
The former minister will contest the leadership of the party next month.
In many countries, anyone over thirty-five can contest the presidency.
文法句型
contest + noun phrase (seat, election, presidency, leadership)
用法筆記
More common in British English than American English; American speakers typically use 'run for' in this context. The object is always a position, not a person.